The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
For more than 75 years, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has provided critical contributions to critical challenges with systems engineering and integration, technology research and development, and analysis. Our scientists, engineers, and analysts serve as trusted advisors and technical experts to the government, ensuring the reliability of complex technologies that safeguard our nation’s security and advance the frontiers of space. We also maintain independent research and development programs that pioneer and explore emerging technologies and concepts to address future national priorities.
Our Work
Founded in 1942 to aid a country at war, we provide solutions to national security and scientific challenges with systems engineering and integration, research and development, and analysis. Throughout our seven decades of service, we have focused on practical applications of our research in a wide range of scientific and technological fields; today, our four main sponsored areas of work include air and missile defense, asymmetric operations, force projection, and space science. Additionally, we continue to honor our enduring commitment to work with and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and researchers.
Our Mission Extends to the Communities Where We Live and Work
A spirit of service permeates everything we do. At APL, many of us donate our time to and even serve on the boards of community service organizations. When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with existing community service activities or start your own based on the causes that are most important to you. From laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, to participating in Toys for Tots, to contributing to disaster relief collection efforts, to taking part in American Red Cross blood drives, our mission extends well beyond national security.
Career Opportunities
Where Technology Meets Creativity
From space exploration and cybersecurity to air and missile defense, artificial intelligence, and more, our work is at the cutting edge of scientific innovation. We’re always looking for great people to join our team. Whether your expertise involves technology and research or business operations, we have a place for you at APL.
A Culture of Community
We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, but what makes us truly unique is the culture surrounding the work we do. We offer a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your whole self to work, continue to grow, and build lifelong bonds with inspiring teammates.
Grab lunch from a food truck on the Central Green, work out in one of our fitness centers, join one of our clubs, or work on your own projects in our makerspace, Central Spark. At APL, we know you have passions outside of work, so we foster a culture that brings people together and enriches your experience. That culture, alongside the world-class, innovative work we do, creates a one-of-a-kind career opportunity.
Develop Technologies That Expand the Frontiers of Science
When you join our team, you’ll make the world smarter and safer. With a wide range of innovative projects, we provide a unique opportunity for you to pioneer contributions to research and development, systems engineering and integration, and analysis. Are you ready to make a difference?
Search among The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory jobs
| Jobs: 1 - 10 of 285 |
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you a talented scientist looking to achieve technical breakthroughs at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)? Do you thrive in a collaborative research environment, working alongside an e...
6h
| Job Type | Full Time |
2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you an expert in an optics or photonics related field? Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and development projects? Do you like contributing to multi-disciplinary ...
13h
| Job Type | Full Time |
Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces? Do you have experience with commercial com...
13h
| Job Type | Full Time |
Electromagnetic Computational Scientist
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Do you enjoy building and running physics-based simulations, developing optimization algorithms, or creating custom models? Are you excited by the challenge of designing cutting-edge electromagnetic and photonic devices-driving ...
13h
| Job Type | Full Time |
2026 Internship - Prototyping & Signal Analysis
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you a self-motivated engineer who wants to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of the nation's defenses to support next generation hypersonic missile and re-entry systems, as well as undersea platforms? Are you ...
2d
| Job Type | Intern |
2026 PhD Graduate - Radio Systems Scientist
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you passionate about integrating, testing, analyzing, and validating RF hardware through laboratory and field-testing activities? Our interdisciplinary team helps ensure the success of missile defense systems through our exp...
2d
| Job Type | Full Time |
2026 Graduate - RF Systems Evaluation and Integration Engineer
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you passionate about integrating, testing, analyzing, and validating RF hardware through laboratory and field-testing activities? Do you want to be a part of an interdisciplinary team that helps ensure the success of missile...
2d
| Job Type | Full Time |
2026 Internship - Hypersonic and Reentry System Development and Prototyping
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping? If you are pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related discipline and want to gain experien...
3d
| Job Type | Intern |
Program Security Representative (PSR)
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you a program security specialist (PSR) with a keen interest in providing top notch security support in a dynamic and rich R&D environment? Are you highly motivated, mature, collaborative, independent, and forward thinking? ...
3d
| Job Type | Full Time |
2026 Internship - Engineering for Communications Systems
Laurel, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Description Are you interested in solving complex problems, and contributing to valuable solutions to challenging, real-world problems? As part of the Nuclear Command Communications Systems Group (QKR) you will have the opportunity to learn...
3d
| Job Type | Intern |