Job Opportunities

Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real world applications?

Are you searching for meaningful work in high energy laser science?

Are you hoping to join a dynamic and innovative team?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to help us advance our capabilities in modeling and simulation of high energy lasers. As a member of the High Energy Laser Systems & Technologies section in the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to help solve some of our nation’s most critical challenges related to high power lasers and laser weapon systems. You will develop and apply modeling and simulation tools to further the impact of high energy lasers for our sponsors. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy working hands-on in the lab and in the field. We are passionate about developing innovative laser concepts for high-impact, next-generation applications in sensing, communications, and non-kinetic warfare. Our team is committed to fostering an innovative atmosphere as we work across a wide variety of skillsets and backgrounds to solve complex challenges.

As a High Energy Laser Scientist / Modeler...

• Your primary responsibilities will be to identify technical courses of action to meet sponsor requirements, lead small teams in the execution of these pathways, and mentor junior staff.
• You will conceptualize, develop, and apply analytic and numerical models related to novel high energy continuous wave and pulsed lasers, laser beam control, and laser-matter interactions.
• You will seek to identify and characterize solutions to overcome critical sponsor challenges related to laser sensing and laser weapon systems.
• You will contribute modeling expertise to high energy laser engagement simulations, ranging from scaling law analysis codes to high fidelity physics-based tools.
• You will document efforts and deliver presentations to internal project teams, external sponsors, and the wider high energy laser community.

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

• Possess a M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, optics, chemistry, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years-experience working in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems OR a B.S. degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience working with numerical modeling tools.
• Have prior experience developing numerical modeling tools to simulate laser propagation through the atmosphere and/or high power laser interactions with materials.
• Have demonstrated success working in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and agile team capable of adapting to evolving mission objectives.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Are willing to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
• Are able to obtain a/an Interim Secret level 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...

• Have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, optics, physics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience in the area of numerical modeling of optical systems.
• Have prior experience modeling laser weapon systems, their propagation through the atmosphere, and/or interaction with materials.
• Have prior experience developing nonlinear propagation codes for simulating pulsed lasers.
• Have demonstrated the ability to identify critical solutions to sponsor needs and developed projects/programs/plans in support of these needs.
• Have interest and/or experience in fields related to high energy lasers such as laser beam control, optical materials, applied spectroscopy, optical remote sensing, advanced photonics, optical system design, and optical communications.
• Have an active Top Secret or higher 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 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.