Entry Level Computer Programmer Jobs in Ellicott City, MD

Are you ready to launch your engineering career by solving complex, real-world challenges?

Do you want your work to have a direct impact on protecting the nation and supporting the U.S. Armed Forces?

Are you excited to combine your expertise in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, modeling and simulation, or artificial intelligence with multidisciplinary teams to develop capabilities that strengthen homeland and threater ballistic missile, hypersonic, and air defense, enable multi-domain operations, accelerate warfighting capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, and enable space operations?

If you're graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree and are looking for meaningful technical work in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

Our team develops advanced mission planning capabilities that help military planners evaluate options, optimize system performance, and make informed decisions in complex operational environments.

Our work spans multiple mission areas—including Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, Hypersonic Defense, and emerging multi-domain operations and combines modern software engineering, modeling and simulation, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, and operational analysis to deliver capabilities that support national security.

As an entry-level engineer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and military subject matter experts to solve challenging technical problems.

Depending on your interests and project assignments, you may:

• Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software for advanced mission planning and decision-support applications.

• Apply software engineering, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, data analysis, or artificial intelligence techniques to solve complex operational challenges.

• Develop and evaluate algorithms that improve mission planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.

• Build secure software using modern engineering practices, including DevSecOps, automated testing, and containerized development environments.

• Conduct engineering studies that evaluate the capabilities and limitations of current and future defense systems.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition research into operational capabilities.

• Learn from experienced mentors while contributing to meaningful projects from your first day.

• Engage with military operators and mission experts to better understand operational challenges and translate user needs into technical solutions.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work on meaningful technical challenges that directly support national defense.

• Learn from nationally recognized engineers, scientists, and technical leaders.

• Apply modern software engineering, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and artificial intelligence technologies.

• Collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines in an inclusive, supportive environment.

• Develop technical depth while building the skills needed for a long-term engineering career.

• Make measurable contributions to operational capabilities used by the U.S. military.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you:

• Have earned or will earn a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.

• Have experience through coursework, research, internships, personal projects, or extracurricular activities in one or more of the following:

  • Software development using C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript.

  • Modeling, simulation, systems analysis, or algorithm development using MATLAB, Python, or similar technical computing tools.

• Enjoy solving challenging technical problems and learning new technologies.

• Work well both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Communicate technical ideas clearly in both written and verbal form.

• Are interested in learning from military operators and understanding how engineering solutions support real-world missions.

• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required, and selected candidates will be subject to a government security clearance investigation.

You’ll stand out if you have one or more of the following:

• A Master's degree in a relevant engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics discipline.

• Experience developing software in C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript.

• Experience with modeling and simulation, optimization, operations research, or systems analysis.

• Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to engineering or analytical problems.

• Familiarity with Linux, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, cloud technologies, or DevSecOps practices.

• Experience conducting research, capstone projects, undergraduate or graduate research, or open-source software development.

• Leadership experience on academic, research, or extracurricular technical teams.

• Previous internship or co-op experience applying engineering or software development skills to real-world problems.

• An active Final Secret or 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.

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 at https://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 contact Accessibility@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.

$85,000 Annually

$165,000 Annually