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Rotational Programs Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Our two-year rotational program will provide you with experiences and resources to set you up for an exciting and successful career in accounting or finance! Our Impact: * Finance is an internal ...

Our two-year rotational program will provide you with experiences and resources to set you up for an exciting and successful career in accounting or finance! Our Impact: * Finance is an internal ...

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Rotational Programs information

See Washington salary details

$23.1K

$62.8K

$135.3K

How much do rotational programs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for rotational programs in Washington is $62,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,967.00 and $78,377.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rotational program?

A Rotational Program is a structured, multi-department experience designed to develop early-career professionals by exposing them to various roles within a company. Participants rotate through different functions or business units over a set period, typically 1-3 years, gaining diverse skills and industry knowledge. These programs help employees build a strong foundation, expand their network, and determine the best career path within the organization.

What does the typical structure of a rotational program look like, and how does it support career development?

Rotational Programs usually consist of several short-term assignments (often 6-12 months each) across different departments or business units within an organization. This structure allows participants to gain hands-on experience, build a wide professional network, and develop a well-rounded understanding of the company’s operations. Throughout the program, you'll often have mentorship, regular performance feedback, and opportunities to participate in specialized training sessions. This exposure not only strengthens your core skills but also helps you discover which areas best match your interests and strengths, positioning you for future leadership or specialized roles within the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a rotational program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Rotational Program, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and the ability to quickly learn new concepts across multiple disciplines. Familiarity with productivity tools like Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and sometimes industry-specific platforms can be beneficial. Adaptability, strong interpersonal communication, and a proactive attitude help participants excel as they transition between diverse teams and projects. These skills and qualities are essential for building a broad skill set, performing well across functions, and maximizing the career development benefits of the program.

What are popular job titles related to Rotational Programs jobs in Washington?

For Rotational Programs jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rotational Programs jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Rotational Programs jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Rotational Programs jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Rotational Programs job openings:

Infographic showing various Rotational Programs job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,844 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

2027 PhD Graduate - Rotational Discovery Program

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 74 rated research


Job description

Description
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 entry-level PhD technical staff members to join the Discovery Program, APL's two-year rotational program. The program offers a unique opportunity for recent PhD graduates, those who graduated in or after May 2026 or those soon to be awarded their PhD by the Discovery Program begin date of May 2027 to July 2027, to gain valuable experience across multiple technical areas. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while exploring a breadth of professional interests. You will 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.
As a member of the Discovery Program, you will...
  • 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.

Common disciplines and example technical areas:
  • 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

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Are 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 of 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. 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 engaged in multiple internships, research experiences, or projects outside of the classroom.
  • Have leadership experience.

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

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