RF-Enabled Cyber Engineer

Are you searching for meaningful work in developing innovative RF-enabled cyber capabilities that enable the U.S. to prevail against asymmetric threats?

Do you thrive when solving complex technical challenges at the intersection of software, cyber operations, and radio frequency (RF) engineering?

Are you eager to integrate, test, and deploy sophisticated offensive cyber capabilities that drive mission impact?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a highly motivated RF-Enabled Cyber Engineer to integrate, evaluate, and operationalize adaptive, software-defined RF cyber solutions for real-world operations and environments. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of software engineers, wireless communication engineers, cyber operations experts, and systems engineers working together to deliver ground breaking cyber capabilities to our U.S. Government sponsors.

Our hardworking team values creativity, collaboration, and the open exchange of ideas. New ideas are encouraged, tested, and rapidly transitioned into operational capabilities. We believe in learning, experimenting, professional growth and work-life balance.

As a RF-Enabled Cyber Engineer, you will...

• Contribute to a multi-disciplinary portfolio of projects solving problems in the development and operationalization of cyber capabilities that leverage RF-enabled attack surfaces, including wireless communications, embedded systems, and networked devices.
• Design, build, and integrate software-defined RF systems that support advanced cyber operations.
• Develop and deploy software tools for testing and evaluation of RF-enabled cyber effects, including open-air and laboratory testing.
• Support field testing and operational integration by working closely with mission partners, operators, and other government and industry partners.
• Hone leadership skills through mentorship of small technical teams, driving them toward a solution to a given technical problem.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or another technical field relevant to the duties as described above.
• Have at least 3 years' experience in RF engineering, software development, test and evaluation, or cybersecurity, with a focus on RF systems.
• Possess programming skills in languages such as Python, C/C++, or Rust.
• Have hands-on experience with software-defined radios (SDRs) and frameworks such as GNURadio.
• Are familiar with modern cybersecurity tools, including network and protocol analysis, firmware analysis, and embedded system security.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills, and can operate effectively in both independent and collaborative settings.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 25%.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess an MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• Have 5+ years' experience developing and deploying offensive cyber capabilities, particularly in RF and embedded system environments.
• Understand offensive cyber operations, including cyber effects operations and engineering solutions that establish access or deliver effects in complex and constrained environments.
• Have conducted hardware integration and testing, including working with RF components, FPGAs, and embedded systems.
• Have experience with radio frequency attack techniques, including jamming, spoofing, and protocol manipulation. Have familiarity with exploitation of RF-based systems (e.g., Radar, SATCOM, Cellular, Wi-Fi, IoT, or military communication systems).
• Have Test & Evaluation (T&E) experience, including formulating test plans, conducting controlled experiments, analyzing test data, and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Have integrated RF-enabled cyber tools into operational environments.
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.