What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2025 PhD Graduate - Advanced Sensor Technology Development position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?
Are you looking for a career with a wide variety of technical opportunities?
Do you enjoy research and development that advances the state-of-the-art?
Are you motivated by constantly learning and taking on new challenges in a supportive environment?
If you are graduating with a PhD degree in Electrical, Computer or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics and want to work on advanced sensor technologies, we would love to have you join our team! We are seeking candidates with academic backgrounds and interest in:
- Radar
- RF communications
- RF system design and technologies
- Phased arrays, antennas, and electromagnetics
- EO/IR sensor systems
- Real-time software and software architecture
- Digital hardware, firmware, RFSoCs, and FPGAs
- Advanced signal processing
- Mechanical design, analysis, and platform integration
- Electronics packaging
- Power systems
Our team performs cutting edge technical work, developing systems and the underlying technologies that enable important next-generation capabilities in radar, electronic warfare, and communications. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment that values technical collaboration. Your primary responsibilities will include applying your skills to any of the following:
- Conceptual design and analysis of sensor components, subsystems and systems
- Fabrication and testing of experimental hardware
- Developing advanced algorithms and techniques
- Assessment of system-level performance improvements resulting from technology advancements
As a member of our group, you will contribute to multi-disciplined teams focused on developing advanced sensor concepts and bringing those concepts to fruition through design, analysis, development, and testing. You will be challenged to develop innovative solutions, through collaboration across APL, that enable new capabilities for APL sponsors. Your work will provide growth opportunities to both develop system-level insight and advance your core expertise.
Qualifications
You’ll meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Have a PhD degree in Electrical, Computer or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics.
- Have in-depth understanding in one or more of the following fields: signal processing, RF systems, electromagnetics, communications, real-time software, firmware development, communications, or mechanical packaging/engineering. This could include experience with:
- Scientific or mathematical programming languages, such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C
- RF and Electromagnetic simulation tools, such as Cadence AWR, Keysight ADS, Ansys Electronics Desktop, and Altair FEKO
- RF test equipment such as spectrum/network analyzers, signal generators, and/or oscilloscopes
- Advanced electronics packaging, thermal management, structural design, and platform integration
- Are willing and able to travel up to 5% of the time to test sites or meetings.
- Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level 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 educational, intern, or research experience in the previously listed disciplines.
- Have experience with advanced sensors including phased arrays, digital arrays, electro-optical, infrared or experience with sensor technologies used in these systems.
- Have a record of scholarly publications in peer reviewed venues.
About Us
APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.
