2026 PhD Graduate

Are you passionate about applying your PhD to tackle the difficult challenges facing our warfighters such as Achieving Robust Homeland Defense, Accelerating Warfighting Capabilities in INDOPACOM, Operationalizing Space Forces and Operationalizing Artificial Intelligence?

Are you interested in applying your PhD to help our warfighters create dominant decisive advantages by revolutionizing the art of designing defenses in direct support of overcoming those challenges?

Would you like to make critical contributions to the development, prototyping and transition of military mission planning tools and solutions to U.S. warfighters in the Armed Services?

In A5C, we develop and deliver highly capable mission planning tools into the hands of the warfighter so they can configure/optimize fielded military systems for maximum performance across multiple simultaneous air and missile defense missions, multiple services, and multiple command echelon planning levels.

If you are graduating with a PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics AND want to work in an excellent team-oriented environment, then we'd love to have you join our team

We are seeking an enthusiastic team player willing to take on challenging assignments and willing to learn about the complexity of placing and configuring military systems. 

As a member of our team...

Your primary responsibility will be to lead and conduct critical engineering activities that will drive the development of multi-mission and multi-service planning capabilities.You will learn about critical modeling and simulation tools that predict performance of U.S. military systems and you will ascertain their level of fidelity.You will apply those tools to lead and conduct detailed engineering studies that ascertain capabilities/limitations of current systems, support future designs, lay out a strategic plan to achieve true multi-mission multi-service planning capabilities, and provide timely feedback to warfighters in the field facing real world operational challenges.You will work in a highly motivated team environment.You will learn about enemy capabilities and limitations as fundamentally provided by the pertinent intelligence community.You will learn and determine the capabilities and limitations of our U.S. military systems so that mission planning tools can optimize their use.Qualifications

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

Possess a PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.Demonstrate strong organizational abilities in the pursuit of your PhD.Desire to be part of team with a wide-ranging assembly of scientists and engineers to tackle new engineering challenges.Extensive experience in the use of Matlab, Python, or equivalent for designing and analyzing systems.Have academic experience working on and leading team projects.Demonstrate excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills when interfacing with other students and professors.Are willing to meet and interact with military warfighters to discover what those warfighters actually want at their fingertips when deployed in the field all over the globe.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 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...

Demonstrate that your dissertation has direct applicability to the design and evolution of military mission planning systems.Extensive experience developing in C/C++ or Typescript/Javascript.Have experience as a summer intern and/or full time employee in which your academic coursework was applied to successfully fulfill that internship/employment.Possess a working knowledge of some U.S. military systems for the U. S. Navy, Army, Air Force, or Space Force.Already possess at least a Final Secret security clearance.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

$102,500 Annually

Maximum Rate

$227,500 Annually

---