Senior Software Engineer/AI Practitioner

Are you passionate about applying your talents to address the difficult challenges facing our warfighters such as Operationalizing Artificial Intelligence to support Achieving Robust Homeland Defense, Accelerating Warfighting Capabilities in INDOPACOM, or Enhancing Space Superiority?

Do you love to enable warfighters with the latest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software capabilities?

Are you passionate about defining the path forward for our military to use AI technology?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

In A5C, we develop and deliver highly capable mission planning capabilities into the hands of the warfighter so they can design defenses that enhance performance across multiple simultaneous air and missile defense missions, multiple services, and multiple command echelon planning levels.

We are seeking an engineer specializing in software and has a passion for AI applications to work in our highly-motivated teams. This person will help us define the best ways to use new technologies to support mission planning. We need someone who can quickly learn innovative tools and practices. They should have a vision for how to apply them efficiently to support real-world scenarios. Our focus is making sure that the warfighter is given the best planning capabilities possible to design defenses for themselves and our allies.

As a Software Engineer and AI Practitioner, your tasks will include

• Evolving air and missile defense planning tools and capabilities,
• Developing and implementing robust software solutions to complex planning challenges,
• Responding to feedback from the warfighter and the analyst community,
• Assessing new AI and Machine Learning tools and capabilities and their applicability to military planning, and
• Working with leaders in Air and Missile Defense to shape the adoption of AI/ML into existing warfighting capabilities.

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

• Possess a BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or other related engineering fields.
• Have 5+ years of experience working with Python, C++, or other similar programming languages.
• Have 2+ years of experience applying AI/ML to real-world problems.
• Are skilled in rapidly implementing novel solutions and evaluating their efficacy.
• Desire to be part of team with a wide-ranging assembly of scientists and engineers to solve new engineering challenges.
• Have experience leading projects.
• Demonstrate strong organizational abilities.
• Demonstrate excellent written, oral, and social skills when collaborating with team members, sponsors, and users.
• Are willing to meet and interact with military warfighters to discover their needs and desires.
• 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...

• Possess an advanced degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or other related engineering fields.
• Have experience applying AI/ML to decision-making processes.
• Have experience developing with agentic AI systems.
• Have experience delivering software to external partners in a rapid fashion.
• Have demonstrated a passion for applying new tools and methodologies to existing challenges.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a fast paced environment while crafting high quality software.
• Have experience interacting with and understanding end user needs to support solution development.
• Possess a working knowledge of some U.S. military organization and systems for the U. S. Navy, Army, Air Force, or Space Force.
• Already possess at least a Final Secret security clearance.

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  .

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 apply.j-vers.com .

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.