Demo

2027 Internship – Algorithm, Software, or RF Systems Engineering

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Volunteer
POSTED ON 9/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/25/2026
Description

Are you interested in developing algorithms and software or advancing radar and radio-frequency systems for critical national security challenges?

Do you enjoy understanding how complex systems work, testing ideas against evidence, and turning technical concepts into useful capabilities?

Would you like an internship where you can apply what you are learning in the classroom to real technical problems alongside engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and software developers?

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

We are a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and software developers who advance electromagnetic and computer-system capabilities for critical national security missions, with a primary focus on maritime applications. Our work spans radar, electronic warfare (EW), RF communications and propagation, remote sensing, signal and image processing, algorithm development, software development, modeling and simulation, and technical prototyping.

We bring domain experts, analysts, algorithm developers, and software engineers together to carry ideas from initial analysis and concept development through implementation, integration, test, and evaluation. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced technical staff while contributing directly to ongoing research, analysis, software, algorithm, and systems-development efforts.

We value people who ask thoughtful questions, take initiative, test assumptions against evidence, seek out expertise when needed, and are interested in learning how to solve challenging technical problems.

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

  • Work with multidisciplinary teams to understand challenging technical and operational problems and develop practical approaches to address them.
  • Develop and evaluate algorithms, software, models, analyses, experiments, or prototypes.
  • Use simulated, laboratory, and real-world data to understand system behavior and evaluate technical approaches.
  • Learn from and collaborate with engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and software developers across multiple technical disciplines.
  • Communicate your work through code, documentation, technical discussions, presentations, and reports.

Depending on your background, interests, and project needs, your work may emphasize one or more of the following areas:

  • Algorithm Development: Apply mathematical, computational, signal-processing, data-analysis, or machine-learning techniques to develop and evaluate algorithms for real-world sensor and systems problems.
  • Software Development: Develop software, analysis tools, and technical prototypes that process data, support modeling and simulation, or interact with hardware, networks, and other systems.
  • RF Systems Engineering: Analyze, model, and evaluate radar, communications, EW, remote-sensing, propagation, and other RF systems using simulation, laboratory experiments, and real-world data.

Qualifications

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

  • Are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master's or Doctorate degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Have maintained a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA.
  • Have completed relevant coursework and have a technical foundation applicable to one or more of the areas described above.
  • Have demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and can work effectively as part of a team.
  • Are willing and able to work in closed-area facilities.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret 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 applied your technical knowledge through research, a previous internship, independent projects, laboratory work, or other substantial technical activities related to one or more of the areas described above.
  • Have experience developing software, algorithms, models, analyses, experiments, or prototypes to solve open-ended technical problems.
  • Have demonstrated initiative and follow-through in technical coursework, research, projects, employment, or extracurricular activities.
  • Hold an active Secret or higher-level security 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 https://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 Accessibility@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.

Minimum Rate

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly

Salary : $22 - $47

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