Electromagnetic Computational Scientist

Description
Do you enjoy building and running physics-based simulations, developing optimization algorithms, or creating custom models?

Are you excited by the challenge of designing cutting-edge electromagnetic and photonic devices—driving the future of communications, sensing, and computing?

Do you thrive in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment where ideas move from concept to fabrication, characterization, and real-world prototyping?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL
We are a team of computational and experimental physicists and engineers passionate about developing innovative solutions for the future of advanced devices, materials, and systems. We are seeking a computational physics researcher to contribute to ongoing projects and help grow new areas of research. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and apply computational models and simulations to design novel electromagnetic devices—including RF/optical metasurfaces, integrated photonics, and quantum computing hardware.

We value scientific excellence, continuous learning, and open collaboration in order to tackle high-risk, high-reward ideas. Your work will help drive research from simulation and fabrication to characterization and real-world deployment. Opportunities for professional growth and mentorship are strongly supported.

As a Computational Physics Researcher, You Will

• Develop custom numerical models, create optimization algorithms, and/or use commercial tools to predict complex phenomena and design advanced devices.
• Work closely with engineers and experimentalists to build prototypes and validate models against experimental data.
• Develop design methodologies that leverage emerging fabrication technologies such as grayscale lithography and additive manufacturing.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and underlying physical phenomena.
• Help develop research and development ideas that explore emerging technologies for APL's sponsors.
• Contribute to technical publications, conference presentations, and other forms of research dissemination.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications if you:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with at least one year of experience.
• Are proficient in programming languages such as MATLAB or Python, as well as related packages for plotting and data handling.
• Have a foundational understanding of electromagnetics and optics.
• Have experience building physics-based simulations.
• Are self-motivated, eager to learn, and excited to solve challenging problems with real-world impact.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Have experience working in a team-based research environment.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date, and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government 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:

• Hold a Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have a strong background in electromagnetics or optics, especially as related to devices such as metasurfaces, sensors, and integrated photonics.
• Possess a foundational understanding of electronics, materials science, and device physics.
• Have experience using full-wave electromagnetic simulation software such as CST, HFSS, Lumerical, or MEEP/MPB, or multiphysics software such as COMSOL.
• Have implemented advanced optimization algorithms (e.g., inverse design, adjoint optimization, machine learning-driven design) or developed custom numerical methods (e.g., PDE solvers).
• Have experience working in high-performance computing (HPC) environments and developing scripted workflows for simulation or design automation.
• Have experience designing chip layouts or preparing masks for fabricating circuits or nanostructures.
• Have laboratory experience, including fabrication, test setup construction, and characterization.
• Have contributed to technical publications, conference presentations, or research proposals.

About Us
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

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
$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate
$227,500 Annually