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Phd Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Phd Engineer information

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

As a civil engineer, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically requires advanced experience, specialized skills, management roles, or working in high-paying sectors like infrastructure or consulting. Most civil engineers earn between $60,000 and $120,000 per year, with higher salaries possible in senior positions or with additional certifications. Achieving a $500,000 salary generally involves leadership responsibilities, project management, or working in lucrative markets.

What is a PhD Engineer?

A PhD Engineer is an individual who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in an engineering discipline. This advanced degree signifies deep expertise in a specialized area of engineering, often involving original research and the completion of a dissertation. PhD Engineers typically work in academia, research and development, or advanced industry roles where they contribute to scientific innovation and technological advancements. Their work often includes conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and mentoring students or junior engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Engineer, you need advanced expertise in engineering principles, research methodology, and problem-solving, typically supported by a doctoral degree in an engineering discipline. Familiarity with specialized technical tools, modeling software, data analysis platforms, and sometimes professional certifications are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, innovation, and strong communication skills set top PhD Engineers apart in collaborative and research-driven environments. These competencies are vital for driving technological advancements, publishing impactful research, and leading complex engineering projects.

What jobs can I get with a PhD in engineering?

A PhD in engineering qualifies individuals for research and development roles, university faculty positions, and advanced engineering positions in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and technology. These roles often require strong analytical skills, expertise in specialized tools or software, and the ability to lead complex projects or innovations.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand industries.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a PhD Engineer in an industrial setting?

PhD Engineers in industry often start in research and development roles, where they apply their advanced technical expertise to solve complex problems. Over time, they may progress into senior scientist or technical lead positions, and can also transition into management roles such as R&D manager or director. Career growth is often driven by demonstrated innovation, successful project leadership, and strong collaboration skills. Additionally, PhD Engineers frequently have opportunities to shape company strategy, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to patent portfolios.

What is the difference between Phd Engineer vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd EngineerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Engineering or related fieldPhD in relevant scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentIndustry labs, R&D departments, manufacturingAcademic labs, research institutions, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing firms, engineering firmsUniversities, government agencies, private research firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Phd Engineers and Research Scientists hold doctoral degrees and work in research-intensive environments. Phd Engineers typically focus on applied engineering projects within industry, while Research Scientists often work on fundamental scientific research in academic or government settings. The choice depends on whether you prefer industry application or scientific exploration.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, stock options, or working in high-demand industries like tech or energy.
Infographic showing various Phd Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Are you looking for a career building deep expertise in a technical area critical to our national defense?

Do you wish to collaborate with and learn from some of the country's top seeker and sensor subject matter experts?

If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for newly graduating PhD engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and scientists like you!

Our group's vision is to ensure that the United States maintains a technological advantage on the world stage by leading the development and prototyping of advanced weapons and autonomous systems. We provide state-of-the-art design solutions with a focus on seekers and sensors, guidance, navigation and control systems. We also specialize in embedded systems and multi-disciplinary design, simulation and optimization. If you are graduating in Engineering or Science and desire a rewarding career designing and evaluating advanced weapons and autonomous systems seekers and sensors, we'd love to talk to you about joining our team! We are seeking candidates with academic backgrounds and interest in one or more of the following technical areas:

  • Electromagnetics
  • RF System Design
  • RF Antennas and Technologies
  • RF Communications
  • Radar Systems
  • Optics
  • EO/IR System Design
  • EO/IR Imagers
  • Focal Plane Arrays
  • Digital Signal/Image Processing
  • Detection and Classification Algorithms
  • Circuits/Electronics, Software Defined Radios and Hardware Design

As a member of our team you will...

  • Have the opportunity to conduct cutting edge seeker and sensor research, design, modeling, simulation and analysis while collaborating with adjacent technical domains in the development of next generation autonomous systems and weapons.
  • Develop innovative ways of simulating and predicting seeker and sensor performance in complex operational environments.
  • Lab test seeker and sensor hardware and software to identify operational capabilities and limitations.
  • Work closely with seeker and sensor subject matter experts who will train and mentor you on your path to attaining deeper technical knowledge and experience.
  • Collaborate with our teams of engineers and interact with government sponsors, including platform designers in multi-disciplinary optimization studies for early phase vehicle development.
  • Have the opportunity to continue your education through a variety of educational opportunities such as technical short courses, graduate degree programs, and many more.

Qualifications

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

  • Have a PhD in an Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.
  • Are passionate about creative problem solving and applying your skills to the design and development of our nation's next generation weapons and autonomous systems.
  • Have academic background and interest in one or more of the technical areas listed above.
  • Have conducted research; completed one or more internships; and/or possess practical skills in RF, EO/IR or related fields.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 classroom, project or internship experience working with seekers, sensors and/or autonomous systems.
  • Have familiarity with complimentary disciplines such as: modeling, simulation and analysis; design optimization; software or algorithm development; and hardware testing.

About Us

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 athttps://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 contactAccessibility@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.


Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually