2026 Internship - Threat Modeling Engineer

Would you like to be part of a multidisciplinary team that combines a deep understanding of threats and advanced technologies to develop novel, tactically relevant defense solutions?

Do you want to become an expert in modeling, analyzing, and understanding adversary system capabilities and non-kinetic technologies for defense applications against those adversary weapons?

Our group works on some of the most difficult and influential problems in the defense industry - how to defend our military and homeland through our core competencies in foreign threat modeling and intelligence, advanced non-kinetic technologies (such as Directed Energy (DE) and Electronic Warfare (EW)), and big-picture operational utility analysis.

We are seeking highly motivated students to help us understand and develop models and simulations for adversary missile systems, as well as for US non-kinetic technology. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are subject matter experts in this area. Your work within these teams will support the development, testing, and analysis of various advanced technologies for missile defense.

Your primary responsibilities could include:

• Develop and use kinematic and RF models and simulations of adversary systems, characterizing their performance
• Design flexible, robust software tools and applications for hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) prototype system testing
• Analyze system level performance of established and future DoD capabilities against adversary threat missile systems
• Understand foreign missile systems to the level that you can help develop and mechanize novel defeat capabilities

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

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or related degrees, with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Experience with programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, C++, Java, or similar
• Have demonstrated analytical skills
• Can effectively communicate ideas and results
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret 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...

• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of one or more of: flight mechanics, propulsion, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), or physics-based modeling
• Have demonstrated proficiency in both C++ and Java, with knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
• Are proficient in standard software engineering practices (version control, documenting, testing, CI/CD, logging, etc.)
• Have learned or demonstrated experience in applying systems engineering concepts and principles as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Have a final Secret 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 at http://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 contact Accommodations@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.