2026 PhD Graduate - Cyber Resilience of Military Systems

Do you love to push the bounds of science and technology while solving some of the most ambitious problems facing our Nation?

Are you a creative and inventive researcher looking to defend military systems?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related fields, and want to contribute to important national security missions, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking dedicated individuals to perform purposeful research into cyber resilience of military platforms/systems supporting state-of-the-art capability development. Our team works collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to study, design, develop, implement, and test cyber capabilities applied to air, afloat, ground, and undersea military and/or tactical platforms and systems.

As a member of our team...

• You will enhance the architecture and design of ships, subs, aircraft, autonomous military systems, and weapons to enhance resilience to cyber attack in the presence of an adverse cyber environment.
• You will join forces with team members in the analysis of systems to identify and understand security vulnerabilities and their impact on missions.
• You will also collaborate with team members in the definition and design of robust and resilient solutions for the acquisitions, operations and sustainment of military and tactical systems in the presence of adverse cyber environments.
• You can use internal funding opportunities to craft the direction of future research.
• You will circulate knowledge by articulating ideas clearly through papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers.

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

• Have a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical area.
• Have an educational background or specialization interest in at least one of the following categories:
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, Golang, Rust, C, or C++.
  • Proven experience in software development, testing, and deployment, preferably in a cybersecurity context.
  • Experience writing, analyzing, performing gap analysis, or validating requirements in accordance with INCOSE or IEEE/ISO standards.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and on a team.
• Proven demonstration as a critical thinker, developing solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to occasionally travel (up to 10%) and work as required in classified areas.
• Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly 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...

• Have experience designing solutions that inhibit or mitigate operational impact from cyber attack given constraints of funding, operations, performance and/or organization.
• Have experience applying data science, mathematical modeling, and/or machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to solve cyber problems.
• Experience with computer networks and network analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, Suite).
• Engineering experience in the area of model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Experience using tools such as Cameo or other industry standards for developing complex systems-of-systems models.
• Hands-on experience planning, developing, and using simulation capabilities and advanced analytics for analyzing complex problems.
• Experience with virtual machines, virtual networking, and/or hypervisor configuration/management (e.g., ESXi, Hyper-V).
• Have had prior interactions with the DoD and IC communities.
• Hold an active DoD Top Secret or TS/SCI 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 athttp://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 contactAccommodations@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.