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Software Engineer for Sensor/Weapon Command & Control

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, Maryland, Laurel
11100 Johns Hopkins Road (Show on map)
Jun 18, 2026
Description

Are you interested in tackling the challenges in defending our nation against cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missile threats?

Do you want to help ensure that our nation's afloat and ashore forces can effectively command and control defensive systems to counter these threats?

Are you passionate about designing, developing, and deploying software solutions to meet these national security challenges?

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

We are a team of 40+ engineers and scientists who perform innovative research, modeling, analysis, testing, and prototype development in the cruise/ballistic/hypersonic missile defense and electronic warfare domains. We focus on ensuring command and control resiliency in these domains, where our nation's afloat and ashore forces face degraded, hostile, and uncertain conditions. We are seeking talented team members to apply knowledge from multiple fields-math, physics, engineering, computers science, data science, others-to build and deploy software systems that address problems in these areas, and to ultimately improve the capabilities of our nation's developmental and deployed defensive systems.

As a Software Engineer for Sensor/Weapon Command & Control...

  • Your primary responsibility will be working as part of an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, test, and deploy software which supports missile defense and/or electronic warfare missions.
  • You will assist with the development, testing, and analysis of new concepts and algorithms related to the command and control of sensors and weapons.
  • You will work with both simulations and real-time systems, and will improve these systems through both refactoring code and adding new capabilities-algorithms, interfaces, data sources, and visualizations.
  • You will perform analysis on software inputs and outputs to verify proper operation, and will participate in planning and testing activities surrounding experimental and operational use.
  • You will collaborate with government and industry partners to define software architecture, interface requirements, performance metrics, and verification and validation testing.
  • You will support evaluation activities both locally and at contractor and government facilities, and support transition of documentation and capabilities to government or industry.

Qualifications

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

  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer/Electrical, or similar), Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical field.
  • Have 5+ years of professional experience.
  • Are proficient in Java or C++, Python, using Git/GitLab for version control, and developing software in a Linux environment.
  • Have experience with software containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman) and/or relational database management (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
  • Can effectively communicate ideas and results, with excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Are willing and able to occasionally support test events and occasionally travel to field sites.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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...

  • Have a Master's degree or PhD in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Computer/Electrical, or similar), Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical field.
  • Have experience with development, security, and operations (DevSecOps) processes, to include continuous integration / continuous development (CI/CD) pipelines, security scanning, and image hardening.
  • Have professional experience in missile defense, electronic warfare, or similar national security domain.
  • Have domain knowledge of Navy surface combatant systems, to include radars, communications systems, electronic warfare systems, and/or combat systems.
  • Hold an active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

About Us

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 athttps://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 contactAccessibility@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.


Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually
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