2026 PhD Graduate - Radio Systems Scientist

Are you passionate about integrating, testing, analyzing, and validating RF hardware through laboratory and field-testing activities?

Our interdisciplinary team helps ensure the success of missile defense systems through our expertise in RF hardware including wireless datalinks, GPS receivers, and radars.

If you are graduating with a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or Systems Engineering we'd love to have you join the Radio Frequency Engineering Group!

We're looking for a Radio Systems Scientist to test, evaluate, and integrate RF systems, helping ensure their effectiveness in real-world environments and driving innovation in the next generation of weapons.

As a Radio Systems Scientist you will...

• Integrate, test, and evaluate RF technologies and systems in hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) facilities and field test settings.
• Develop algorithms and techniques for processing and visualizing RF data
• Develop modeling and simulation tools to predict real-world performance of RF systems
• Recommend improvements for RF systems through prototyping and experimentation.
• Use anechoic chambers and RF testbeds to characterize system performance
• Collaborate with engineers across APL and external partners.

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

• Have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or Systems Engineering, or another related technical field.
• Have experience in designing and performing experiments, as well as generating analyses and visualizations of experimental data.
• Have deep knowledge of at least one of the following: Wireless communications, GPS systems, radar and remote sensing, high-performance or GPU-based computing, or digital signal processing on embedded hardware.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
• Are familiar with using one or more types of RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, waveform generators, oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, or RF recorders
• Are able to travel up to 10-20% of the time as needed.
• Can be present on-site at our Laurel, Maryland campus on a regular basis due to the classified nature of this position. Occasional telework may be considered.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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.

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 http://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 Accommodations@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.