Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Lead Engineer

Do you love to work with teams to solve hard technical problems related to anti-submarine warfare?

Do you enjoy critical thinking and setting technical direction?

Do you want to make significant contributions to the technical work within the Sea Control Mission Area?

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

We are seeking a highly accomplished and mission-driven Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Engineer to lead innovative research and development in undersea warfare, advanced sensing systems, and signal processing. You will play a critical role in delivering pioneering capabilities that directly support Navy and joint warfighter needs in complex, denied, or expeditionary maritime environments.

As a strategic technical leader in APL’s Sea Control Mission Area, you will work across government, academia, and industry to shape future naval anti-submarine warfare capabilities and guide high-risk, high-reward research from concept to transition.

As an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Lead Engineer...

• Serve as a principal investigator and senior technical advisor on programs related to ASW, underwater sensing, and acoustic signal exploitation.
• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams developing novel technologies in areas such as:
  • Acoustic and non-acoustic sensing (e.g., magnetic, optical, multi-modal)
  • Deep-sea deployable systems and seabed instrumentation
  • Autonomous sensing for contested environments
  • Low-power and high-performance signal processing
• Engage with Navy and DoD stakeholders to define and advance long-term technology roadmaps and strategic initiatives through 2035 and beyond.
• Shape and manage technology demonstrations, rapid prototyping efforts, and field experimentation in support of ONR, DARPA, NAVSEA, and other DOD partners.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to APL’s culture of technical excellence and mission impact

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

• M.S. in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Ocean Engineering, or related discipline.
• 20 years of relevant experience in undersea warfare systems, with a demonstrated record of technical leadership in R&D and government program execution.
• Deep familiarity with Navy research, acquisition, and transition pathways, especially ONR, and the Naval Research Enterprise.
• Proven ability to integrate advanced technologies across multiple domains, from sensors to signal processing to platform integration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable advising senior leaders and collaborating across sectors.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. 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 previous experience as a program officer at ONR or similar government research organization

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.

Salary : $115,000 - $350,000