Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer

Overview

2026 Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer

Base pay range: $85,000.00/yr - $/yr. This information is provided by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; actual pay will be based on skills and experience.

The Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is seeking newly graduating engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and scientists to contribute to the development and prototyping of advanced weapons and autonomous systems. The team focuses on seekers and sensors, guidance, navigation and control systems, embedded systems, and multi-disciplinary design, simulation, and optimization. We are looking for candidates with academic backgrounds and interest in one or more technical areas listed below.

• Conduct cutting-edge seeker and sensor research, design, modeling, simulation, and analysis; collaborate with adjacent technical domains for next-generation autonomous systems and weapons.
• Develop innovative methods to simulate and predict seeker and sensor performance in complex operational environments.
• Lab test seeker and sensor hardware and software to identify operational capabilities and limitations.
• Work with seeker and sensor subject matter experts who will train and mentor you.
• Collaborate with engineers and government sponsors, including platform designers, in multidisciplinary optimization studies for early-phase vehicle development.
• Pursue continuing education opportunities through technical short courses and graduate degree programs.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Passion for creative problem solving and applying skills to the design and development of next-generation weapons and autonomous systems.
• Academic background in one or more of the listed technical areas.
• Classroom, project, or internship experience in Radio Frequency, Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor fields.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by start date and ultimately a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required for eligibility to access classified information.

• Experience with seekers, sensors, and/or autonomous systems; familiarity with modeling, simulation and analysis; design optimization; software or algorithm development; and hardware testing. Interest in pursuing MS or PhD in EE, physics, mathematics, or related disciplines.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) solves critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We offer a collaborative culture, opportunities for growth, and a comprehensive benefits package. APL is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Note:

The referenced pay range reflects good faith at posting time and may vary based on location, experience, and other factors. Additional compensation such as sign-on bonuses or relocation benefits may be offered per policy.

• Seniority level:
  Internship
• Employment type:
  
  Full-time
• Job function:
  Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries:
  Defense and Space Manufacturing

Laurel, MD (typical recruiting region: Washington DC-Baltimore Area). Other related roles and locations may be listed in postings.