Description
We are seeking innovative experts to help us tackle the complex research, engineering, and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation.
Do you want to apply your skills and expertise to real world problems in the field of cyber operations?
Are you intellectually curious, seeking to understand and find loopholes in systems?
Are you passionate about cybersecurity, national security, and public service?
Are you looking for a position that will help you take your research ideas from concept to impact?
If these questions resonate with you, you may be a great fit for the Cyber Warfare Systems Group (QCR)!
QCR team members apply their diverse skills to develop and operationalize automated, scalable, and resilient platforms for offensive cyber operations and cyber-enabled influence. We are passionate about providing impactful solutions for our sponsors. Our team is committed to continued learning and servant leadership. We strive to foster an inclusive and encouraging environment where staff can perform their best work. Our team values collaboration, transparency, and helping staff achieve their professional goals.
Our primary focus is on developing the platforms that will enable the U.S. military to execute cyber missions at scale in support of joint operations. We do this by focusing on two things: cyber weapon systems engineering and cyber-enabled influence. Our research areas also include offensive platform development, multi-domain targeting, mission and attribution management, and generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
As a member of our team...
Your primary responsibilities will be contributing technical expertise to projects related to cyber operations. Depending on your role and areas of expertise, this may include:

• Designing, developing, and fielding capabilities in support of cyber operations missions
• Leading research and analysis that supports capability development
• Social network analysis, system vulnerability assessments, and/or cyber mission management

PhD hires are considered senior staff and experts in their field. Depending on your role, expectations and additional responsibilities for hires at this level may include:

• Working independently, with general guidance only
• Exercising considerable latitude in determining methods and approach to project challenges, to include developing alternative approaches to complex problems
• Contributing breadth and depth of expertise to teams and collaborations, to include leading discussions of ideas, options, and approaches and working with others to identify resources and expertise needed to solve problems
• Shepherding relevant ideas and solutions from conception through to implementation
• Serving as a resource to others on your own project team and in other teams and organizational units
• Serving as a team lead on projects
• Serving as the prime contact for APL staff and sponsors on technical or functional issues associated with specific projects

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for consideration if you:

• Are graduating with or have recently completed a PhD degree in: Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Other degrees, such as Intelligence Studies, International Relations, Behavioral Psychology, and foreign language may be considered with demonstrated interest, experience, and technical skills applicable to QCR's work.
• Have a passion for applying analytical and technical expertise to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Have a zeal for prototyping and iterative test and evaluation.
• Can effectively communicate complex information, concepts, or ideas and provide formal documentation of complex activities.
• Are able to acquire Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire Top 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.

QCR is interested in a wide variety of skills, including but not limited to:

• Cybersecurity, systems engineering and analysis, software engineering, networking, penetration testing, reverse engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and similar technical fields.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, Javascript, C/C , Go, or other programming languages & frameworks
• Modeling and simulation.
• Cyber threat intelligence.
• Proficiency in defense-critical foreign languages.

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 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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

About Us
APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.