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2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer
full-timeLaurel$85k - $165k

Summary

Location

Laurel

Salary

$85k - $165k

Type

full-time

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About this role

Description

Are you passionate about solving real-word problems?

Do you want to learn about unique special operations missions?

Do you love working collaboratively to tackle exciting and interesting problems?

 

If you are graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering and are curious about wireless and wired communications, we'd love to have you join our multidisciplinary team!

You may be interested if you enjoyed, but not limited to the following courses: Signals and Systems, Distributed Programming, Digital Signal Processing, or any comms theory class.

 

We seek talented graduates who can work with a multidisciplinary team to deliver impactful capabilities for the special operations and intelligence communities. Our team of engineers and scientists fosters a collaborative work environment to solve sophisticated problems and develop end-to-end communications systems.

 

 As a member of our team, you will learn to...

  • Design communication systems that adapt to unique and dynamic operational environments.
  • Orchestrate and analyze resilient networks spanning unconventional domains.
  • Work with technologies that may include, wired, wireless (RF & optical) links, line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS)/Satellite communication links, IP networking, RF systems, protocols, software defined radio (SDR), 5G (and beyond) cellular.
  • Have the opportunity to engage with sponsors to understand and tackle their toughest problems.
  • Research, advance, and apply new technologies to address evolving threats.

Qualifications

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

  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of digital signal processing, physics, and communication theory; programming in C/C++, C#, or Java, and scripting with MATLAB, Python, or other languages.
  • Work effectively in small, multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI level security 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 classroom or professional work experience with software defined radios and/or operational communication systems.
  • Have a background in software development for network orchestration and/or signal processing
  • Knowledge of networking protocols and technologies and how they interact with other systems, or communication systems across the PHY/MAC layers.
  • Hold an active Top Secret or TS/SCI 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 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 [email protected].

  

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually

Other facts

Tech stack
Digital Signal Processing,Communication Theory,Programming in C/C++,Programming in C#,Programming in Java,Scripting with MATLAB,Scripting with Python,Network Orchestration,Signal Processing,Networking Protocols,RF Systems,Software Defined Radio,5G Cellular,IP Networking,Resilient Networks,Communication Systems,Operational Environments

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis.

Team size: 5,001-10,000 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing

What you'll do

  • As a member of the team, you will design communication systems for unique operational environments and analyze resilient networks. You will also engage with sponsors to address their toughest problems and apply new technologies to evolving threats.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory pay for a 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer?

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory offers a competitive compensation package for the 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer role. The salary range is USD 85k - 165k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer do at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?

As a 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, you will: as a member of the team, you will design communication systems for unique operational environments and analyze resilient networks. You will also engage with sponsors to address their toughest problems and apply new technologies to evolving threats..

Why join Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory as a 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer?

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is a leading Defense and Space Manufacturing company. The 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer role offers competitive compensation.

Is the 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory remote?

The 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is based in Laurel, Maryland, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?

You can apply for the 2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory on their website.