2026 Graduate - Control, Actuation, and Test Systems Engineer

Control, Actuation, and Test Engineer

Are you passionate about inventing creative solutions to complex engineering challenges? Do you enjoy integrating electromechanical devices and want to work on modern aerospace systems? If so, we'd love to have you as part of our team!

We are seeking a creative, hardworking engineer to help develop actuation solutions for advanced aerospace control challenges. You'll join a talented team of engineers who collaboratively tackle hard problems in controls, actuation, and electronics.

As a Control, Actuation, and Test Engineer, you will…

• Design, configure, program, and operate special test equipment, data acquisition and control equipment, and sensors to automate test execution and collect data in laboratory tests
• Develop hardware test plans and procedures, conduct tests, and evaluate test data in support of control actuation and electrical power systems, including performance characterization and model validation
• Build, simulate, and validate high-fidelity electromechanical actuation system models using experimental data and hardware analysis
• Participate in the design, integration, and test of prototype electromechanical fixtures used to test and evaluate missile control actuation systems
• Analyze flight and ground test data and communicate findings through technical presentations and memoranda
• Support external integrated product teams in the design, development, test, and evaluation of aerospace control actuation systems

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have a foundational understanding of active and passive electronics
• Are motivated to design and build electrical and mechanical hardware, including actuation systems
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and on multidisciplinary teams
• Exhibit excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Are familiar with computer-aided engineering design and analysis tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, and PSpice
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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.

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.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 $85,000 Annually Maximum Rate $165,000 Annually