PhD Graduate - Rotational Discovery Program

Do you love to solve complex engineering, analytical, or research problems?

Are you interested in exploring different domains such as defense systems, undersea warfare, cyber operations, and national security analysis? If you are a recent or soon‑to‑be graduate with a PhD in a STEM field and a desire to make critical contributions to critical challenges, we’d love to have you join our team!

We are seeking talented and highly motivated early‑career technical staff members to join the Discovery Program, APL’s two‑year rotational program. The program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable experience across multiple technical areas. You will develop your skills while exploring a breadth of professional interests, apply innovative solutions to our nation’s critical challenges, collaborate with experts, and develop a strong foundation for your career.

Selected candidates must have the ability to begin the Discovery Program between May and July 2027. Specific start dates will be coordinated based on degree completion, organizational needs, and onboarding schedules.

• Contribute to a varied set of projects, employing and honing a wide range of skills to meet unique mission needs.
• Collaborate with technical experts to drive impact.
• Accelerate your technical and professional development through targeted training, mentorship, and hands‑on experience.
• Innovate through a dedicated Innovation Challenge Project, where you’ll design and pitch a solution to a complex technical problem.

• Electrical Engineering
  • signal processing, telecommunications, control systems, RF and electromagnetics, electrical systems, instrumentation
• Computer Science/Computer Engineering
  • software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, networking, data science, modeling and simulation, embedded systems, artificial intelligence
• Mathematics
  • statistics, data science, data analysis, modeling and simulation, numerical analysis, algorithm development, operations research
• Physics
  • data analysis, algorithm development, optics and photonics, environmental physics, experimental physics
• Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • modeling and simulation, mechanical design, thermodynamics and heat transfer, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, mechatronics, dynamics and controls
• Systems Engineering
  • software engineering, digital engineering, model‑based systems engineering, modeling and simulation

• Have a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Be able to provide unofficial or official transcripts during the application process.
• Have strong technical experience, as proven through demonstrated impact in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside the classroom.
• Have demonstrated initiative that has enabled excellence in technical projects, professional experiences, or extracurricular activities.
• Thrive in a collaborative team environment with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have demonstrated the ability to quickly contribute to projects in technical areas that are new to you.
• Are interested in solving complex research, engineering, and/or analytical problems that present critical challenges to U.S. government agencies including the Department of War.
• Are comfortable conducting work in support of the Department of War, including offensive military systems.
• Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

• Have engaged in multiple internships, research experiences, or projects outside of the classroom.
• Have leadership experience.

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…