National Physics Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your engineering skills in a creative and collaborative laboratory environment? Would you love to engage in meaningful, hands‑on work in the exciting field of electronics and acoustics with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (JHU/APL)!

We are seeking a creative Electrical Engineer to join the Engineering and Test Group. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to critical system development and experimental efforts. You will be joining a dynamic team committed to crafting an environment of innovation.

• Develop and maintain software for laboratory testbeds and prototype systems, using tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python. Contribute to brainstorming and development of new initiatives and concepts in maritime sensing through research and development (R&D) efforts.
• Support laboratory testing and systems engineering activities by configuring data acquisition systems, automating test procedures, and analyzing measurement data from electrical and imaging systems.
• Implement and refine custom sensor interfaces in software, including signal conditioning, filtering, and A/D and D/A control within DAQ frameworks.
• Develop and optimize control and monitoring routines for distributed electronic and sensing systems, applying control theory and system modeling where appropriate.
• Support field integration and testing of developed systems, including deployment of data acquisition and control software, data collection, and post-test analysis.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated proficiency with scientific or engineering software tools (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python) in a professional environment.
• Hands‑on experience with data acquisition and collection, basic signal processing, and automated test or control scripts using tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, and/or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and possess strong interpersonal, speaking, and technical writing skills.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level 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…

• Master’s degree in electrical/computer engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with real‑time data acquisition systems, test automation frameworks, and integration of software with laboratory instrumentation (e.g., DAQ hardware, sensors, and measurement equipment).
• Familiarity with control theory, feedback control implementation, and system modeling in tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or Python is a plus.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Active Department of Defense 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.

$100,000 Annually

$245,000 Annually