2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer

Job Title

Are you passionate about solving real-world problems?

Do you want to learn about unique special operations missions?

Do you love working collaboratively to tackle exciting and interesting problems?

If you are graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering and are curious about wireless and wired communications, we'd love to have you join our multidisciplinary team!

You may be interested if you enjoyed, but not limited to the following courses: Signals and Systems, Distributed Programming, Digital Signal Processing, or any comms theory class.

We seek talented graduates who can work with a multidisciplinary team to deliver impactful capabilities for the special operations and intelligence communities. Our team of engineers and scientists fosters a collaborative work environment to solve sophisticated problems and develop end-to-end communications systems.

As a member of our team, you will learn to...

• Design communication systems that adapt to unique and dynamic operational environments.
• Orchestrate and analyze resilient networks spanning unconventional domains.
• Work with technologies that may include, wired, wireless (RF & optical) links, line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS)/Satellite communication links, IP networking, RF systems, protocols, software defined radio (SDR), 5G (and beyond) cellular.
• Have the opportunity to engage with sponsors to understand and tackle their toughest problems.
• Research, advance, and apply new technologies to address evolving threats.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of digital signal processing, physics, and communication theory; programming in C/C++, C#, or Java, and scripting with MATLAB, Python, or other languages.
• Work effectively in small, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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...

• Have classroom or professional work experience with software defined radios and/or operational communication systems.
• Have a background in software development for network orchestration and/or signal processing
• Knowledge of networking protocols and technologies and how they interact with other systems, or communication systems across the PHY/MAC layers.
• Hold an active Top Secret or TS/SCI Clearance.

About Us

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