Are you passionate about collaborating with experienced engineers to design and develop the next generation of weapon systems?

Can you design and deliver cutting-edge guidance and control solutions, and guide their successful transition into operational weapon systems for our military?

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

We are seeking an experienced Guidance & Control (G&C) engineer to deliver world-class analysis and development across a range of advanced vehicle systems. Emerging domains like hypersonic flight introduce complex design challenges, including rapidly changing nonlinear dynamics, unique control mechanisms, and mission-specific guidance in highly contested environments.

Innovations in areas like Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) and cooperative control for multi-agent systems also offer exciting opportunities to shape the future of our nation’s defensive capabilities.

Our team supports a wide array of platforms, including hypersonics, cruise missiles, submarines, and autonomous flight vehicles. As a senior engineer, you will spearhead development of agile and robust guidance and control solutions for these critical systems, leveraging your deep technical expertise and passion for continuous learning.

As a Senior Guidance & Control Engineer, you will:

• Apply your expertise in guidance and control to tackle complex technical challenges across a wide range of advanced autonomous vehicle systems.
• Lead the research, design, and development of cutting-edge guidance and control algorithms, grounded in modern control theory and best practices.
• Mentor and guide other GNC engineers and help ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge in the analysis, design, and implementation of control solutions for next-generation weapon systems.
• Analyze and assess contractor designs to assist program offices throughout the DoD acquisition cycle and interface with contractor community to help them design and build operational weapon systems.
• Collaborate closely with experts across disciplines to identify technical risks, communicate challenges to program sponsors, and help shape the strategic direction of your programs.

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

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or another related technical field.
• Have at least five years of experience in vehicle guidance, controls, or autonomous systems.
• Are comfortable in building physics-based models, applying system dynamics and equations of motion in a simulation environment.
• Are proficient in one or more areas of controls theory, including: classical methods (e.g. PID) and modern methods (e.g. nonlinear Lyapunov based, adaptive, robust, cooperative, and model predictive control) and their application to vehicle control design.
• Have a strong sense of initiative, creativity, and a passion for learning.
• Work effectively in a team and would like to mentor and lead technical staff members.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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...

• Possess a Master's degree or PhD in a related technical field.
• Are proficient in guidance theory and application to flight systems (e.g. ProNav, GENEX, Optimal Guidance Methods)
• Have deep knowledge in an affiliated field such as state estimation, navigation, optimization, system identification, hardware in the loop (HWIL) testing, or flight-testing missile systems.
• Have significant experience in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML), especially as applied towards vehicle autonomy.
• Have experience in project management, mentorship, and/or leading teams of people.

#LI-AG1

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.

Do you enjoy building data processing solutions for analyzing state-of-the-art systems?

Do you want to make meaningful contributions to improve critical U.S. Submarine combat system capabilities through systems engineering?

Are you passionate about working within a larger multi-disciplinary team including the end users of your products?

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

We are seeking a dynamic and adaptive systems engineer to maintain and improve essential infrastructure that enables holistic performance assessments of developmental and fielded U.S. Navy submarine tactical systems. We are looking to push the boundaries across full life cycle systems engineering activities to enable faster, innovative analyses incorporating dynamic and large-scale data science, influence system improvements and assure confidence in our performance methods and analytics. This responsive and forward-thinking role requires sound technical acumen and creative problem solving to develop sustainable solutions that meet both end-user intent and sponsor priorities.

You will join a hardworking and expert team of analysts and engineers from academic and warfighter backgrounds in an environment that values collaboration and novel ideas. The Signal and Systems Analysis Group (KTA) provides data-driven design and analytical assessments of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operator in-the-loop system performance to advance the warfighting capabilities of developmental and fielded systems across multiple US Navy domains. KTA is passionate about transforming DATA into operationally relevant KNOWLEDGE and is committed to a culture that prioritizes staff development and continuous innovation.

As a Systems Engineer…

• Your primary responsibility will be to orchestrate an internal team of software developers and system administrators to develop and maintain an infrastructure which combines a suite of internal and external software tools with GOTS and COTS hardware systems and operates across multiple classification levels. 
• You will interpret user and program needs using your technical and domain knowledge to lead the development of holistic engineering solutions balancing resources, priorities, and sustainment within the scope of sponsor tasking.
• You will assist program management with technical project planning and promote sound system engineering and software development practices.
• You will maintain systems and processes that support data processing, and groom tactical systems to support Fleet engagement events.
• You will collaborate in the planning and execution of system performance assessment events and exercises. 
• You will advise the teams to ensure that the test scope, objectives, execution methodology and analysis requirements are appropriate, comprehensive and apply sound system engineering practices.

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

• Possess a BS degree in systems engineering, computer science, computer engineering, engineering science, or related field, or have relevant certifications (such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Server+, Linux certifications, etc.) and equivalent experience in systems engineering responsibilities including: developing use cases and requirements, test planning, and performing analysis to balance cost, schedule, and risk.
• Have 5+ years of systems engineering practical experience, with demonstrated application of systems development life cycle processes, hardware infrastructure management, software development methodologies, engineering best practices, and configuration management tools.
• Possess practical experience with Linux- and Windows-based systems, data visualization, large-scale relational databases, and wide/local-area network data communications protocols and encoding techniques.
• Are skilled at multi-tasking, prioritizing assignments, communicating progress and meeting deadlines.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and are skilled at developing relationships across organizational teams.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Are willing to participate in system test, delivery, and integration tests at sponsor or customer sites.
• Have an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI security 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 degree in systems engineering, computer science, computer engineering, engineering science, or a related field.
• Have 2+ years of experience leading a technical team.
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Have previous experience working directly with stakeholders and partners such as end users and Information Technology teams.
• Have previous experience with the development, operational use, or maintenance of U.S. Navy combat systems.
• Have previous experience with the certification and management of classified systems and networks.
• Have a strong background or previous experience in acoustics, signal processing, or electronic warfare.

#LI-KW1

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.

Are you an experienced AI researcher looking to apply your hard-earned expertise to problems that truly matter?

Are you motivated by challenges facing our nation’s security and prosperity?

Does the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research with mission intent excite you?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join Artificial Intelligence Group at JHU/APL!

Our team works at the intersection of AI research and national defense, solving problems that few other institutions are trusted to work on. Some examples of our current challenges include:

• Optimizing the alignment of AI agents for human-machine teaming
• Improving the reasoning capabilities of agents
• Training and evaluating multimodal foundation models on unique mission datasets
• Agents for self-directed robotic perception, navigation, and problem-solving
• Assessing, mitigating, and exploiting vulnerabilities in frontier models
• Test and evaluation (T&E) of emerging AI research

A Senior AI Researcher in our group is a trusted technical contributor, advancing research in your specialty area while also collaborating with teammates, program managers, and leadership. Our top researchers all play an active role in shaping research directions, engaging with sponsors, and contributing substantively to proposal development and execution. Staff at this level are also relied upon to bring expert judgment to novel problems and to translate ideas into executable, funded work aligned with mission and sponsor priorities.

While this role does not carry line-management responsibility, your experience and perspective will naturally influence the technical quality, direction, and credibility of our group’s work. To this end, we generally support active engagement with the broader research community through publishing, presenting, and external collaboration with academia, industry, and government.

At its core, this role is about bring creativity and credibility to help our team advance the state of the art while inventing the future of our nation’s security and resilience.

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

• A PhD degree in a field related to Artificial Intelligence.
• 15+ years of experience in AI research, demonstrated through sustained peer-reviewed publications.
• Examples of concrete, meaningful contributions made to funded research efforts, including proposal development.
• A track record of independently advancing research ideas from concept to execution.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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 have...

• Recent experience conducting research in any of the following areas:
  • Foundation models (LLMs, VLMs, VLAs)
  • AI for robotic perception, planning, and navigation
  • Alignment of AI systems to human preferences or behaviors
  • Adversarial attacks and defenses for agentic AI systems
  • Red-teaming AI systems for security, safety, or privacy
• Examples of exercising sound technical judgment in ambiguous or high-consequence environments
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience working in government labs, research agencies, or frontier AI organizations
• An active Top Secret/SCI 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.

Do you have a deep understanding of navigation systems and are you eager to apply  that knowledge to solve unique navigation challenges facing the US Navy? 

Are you passionate about developing the next generation of technical experts in the timely, and timeless, art of navigation?

Do you want to be part of a team of engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists as we ensure the US Navy has the most accurate, yet reliable maritime navigation systems in the world?

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

We are the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL. We are seeking a Navigation Analyst to help us pursue innovative solutions to the timely and timeless maritime navigation problem.

As a Senior Navigation Analyst, you will...

• Become the Subject Matter Expert on the mathematical theory and physics behind navigation systems that must operate in extremely demanding conditions in support of the most crucial missions of the US military.
• Apply this knowledge to model the errors in various navigation systems and be part of a team determining their impact on tactical and strategic mission objectives as we also investigate methods to mitigate their influence.
• Join a highly talented and motivated team of mathematicians, engineers and physicists focused on navigation error analysis with many opportunities to collaborate with other innovative experts from a variety of technical fields.

Your specific tasks will include...

• Mastering the mathematical models governing the performance of the most accurate inertial navigation systems in the US Navy surface and subsurface fleet.
• Deriving the physics-based models for how the various supporting aids to the navigation system interact and influence the inertial system.
• Assessing the fidelity of the navigation systems being studied then communicating your conclusions and recommendations to decision-makers.
• Mentoring colleagues to grow subject matter expertise in mathematical physics-based modeling for navigation sensors.

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field.
• Have at least 7 years of relevant experience developing and using mathematical or physics-based models describing a complex system to perform analysis for military applications.
• Have specific experience with performance analysis for maritime navigation or missile guidance systems.
• Have experience modeling navigation sensors including IMUs, GPS, or navigational sonars (Doppler Velocity Log, Correlation Velocity Log).
• Have experience with and a passion for mentoring/knowledge sharing.
• Have experience with Kalman filters and/or modern system estimation and multi-sensor data fusion methods.
• Have experience with a high-level programming language like MATLAB or Python.
• Have the verbal and writing skills and disposition necessary for documenting and presenting complex technical work to APL colleagues and government sponsors at a broadly understandable level.
• Enjoy solving challenging technical problems requiring both self-motivated independent investigation and collaborative team effort.Are willing and able to travel occasionally to US Navy facilities, bases and contractor sites to present results.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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...

• Have a Master's or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field.
• Have specific experience with engineering or test and evaluation for the Trident II, Minuteman III, Sentinel, or AN/WSN-7 systems.
• Have proven experience developing or executing technical training or curricula for STEM-related topics.
• Have a Top 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.

Are you passionate about building solutions for our greatest national security challenges?

Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

Do you value working in a creative and collaborative environment?

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

The Threat Analytic Systems (QAI) Group is seeking talented team members who will help provide our nation with ground-breaking capabilities that bridge the gaps between data, the latest developments in technology, and real-world impact of national importance. We need talented engineers, scientists, and developers with curiosity and a drive for learning!

As a member of our team, you will…

• Apply expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical analysis, and/or software development to solve challenging data analysis problems for our sponsors
• Research, develop, evaluate, and deploy innovative techniques and technologies in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence
• Develop prototype software to gather, process, and analyze intelligence data from various sources
• Effectively communicate ideas and results through papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers

You’ll meet our minimum requirements if you have…

• A Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering field
• Experience with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistical analysis
• Proven track record in designing and developing algorithms and implementing systems for solving interdisciplinary problems
• Hands-on experience with Python
• Comfort working with loosely defined or high-level requirements
• Ability to work on and set priorities for multiple dynamic projects, independently or within a team, to support evolving national security requirements
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated initiative
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security 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…

• Experience with project management and/or leading technical teams

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.