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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research

Graduate - Engineering/Science, Signals Exploitation Systems

Electrical EngineeringConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeLaurel, MD, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Coursework or experience in Digital Signal Processing, communications, RF engineering, or statistical signal analysis.
  • Experience programming in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
  • Ability to obtain Secret-level security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain Top Secret-level clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.

Responsibilities

  • Work with defense and intelligence sponsors to understand RF sensing and signal exploitation problems.
  • Analyze real-world RF signals and waveforms to identify signal characteristics, protocols, emitter behavior, and operational insights.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms for detection, classification, geolocation, demodulation, and signal characterization.
  • Develop and optimize signal processing software using MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for real-time and offline analysis.
  • Assess algorithm performance using measured and simulated datasets and validate techniques across operational environments.
  • Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, embedded software, and systems engineers to transition algorithms into deployable systems.
  • Research emerging RF technologies and develop approaches to solve electromagnetic sensing challenges.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with RF signal analysis, spectrum analysis, waveform characterization, or communications signal processing.
  • Knowledge of digital communications, modulation schemes, wireless protocols, or electronic warfare concepts.
  • Experience developing detection, estimation, classification, tracking, or geolocation algorithms.
  • Familiarity with software-defined radios, RF test equipment, or signal collection systems.
  • Experience using machine learning applied to RF signals or signal classification.
  • Knowledge of FPGA acceleration, GPU computing, or real-time digital signal processing implementations.
  • Experience using Python scientific libraries including NumPy, SciPy, and PyTorch; MATLAB Signal Processing Toolbox; or GNU Radio.
  • Interest in RF signal exploitation, digital signal processing, algorithm development, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and advanced electromagnetic sensing.

About the Company

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges through technical expertise, prototyping, research and development, and analysis. It uses engineering, simulations, and studies to design prototypes and deliver analyses that support government and partner organizations. Unlike many commercial firms, APL operates as a non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins and focuses on mission-oriented research rather than selling finished products. Its goal is to provide practical, thoroughly tested solutions to public-sector customers by performing research, developing prototypes, and offering expert analysis.

Company size
5,001-10,000
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
United States
Founded
1942

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