Demo

Data Scientist/Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 12/10/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/5/2026
Description

Do the challenges of analyzing, testing, and evaluating electro-optic systems intrigue you? Are you interested in developing analytical and statistical tools and using them to extract from raw data an understanding of how complex systems perform?

 

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

 

We are seeking a meticulous person to analyze EO/IR seekers and sensors, and the systems used to test them.

 

As an Data Scientist / System Engineer, you will:

  • Analyze, evaluate, and test EO/IR seekers and sensors at the unit, subsystem, and system levels
  • Develop and refine algorithms, tools, and simulations for analysis
  • Support flight tests and related field operations and analyze the data from them
  • Prepare and deliver to the Government reports that provide objective evidence for decision support
  • Review requirements, designs, and specifications
  • Analyze and work to improve the performance of special test equipment for EO/IR seeker and sensor systems
  • Work with a team of developers and analysts, project and program managers, and with peers across our organization to ensure that our assessments provide critical contributions to the most critical challenges the nation faces in air and missile defense.

Qualifications

You will meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have:

  • A BS degree in mathematics, physics, astronomy, optics, engineering, or a related field
  • Professional experience in data analysis, evaluation, and testing applicable to electro-optic systems.
  • Knowledge of a wide variety of physical and mathematical analytical techniques, and a flair for understanding and solving complex technical problems.
  • Desire and ability to partner with government, industry, and academia to develop sophisticated systems crucial to the defense of the United States.
  • Strong written and oral presentation skills.
  • Are able to obtain 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...

  • An MS or PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field.
  • Experience in system-level requirement analysis, engineering, and evaluation of electro-optical sensors, systems, and subsystems
  • Interdisciplinary familiarity of systems including optical, electro-optical, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering
  • Experience with developing models and/or analysis tools using MATLAB or Python.
  • Experience in system engineering and project management.
  • Experience with integrated software/hardware systems.
  • Current Secret, 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 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.


Minimum Rate

$90,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$230,000 Annually

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Data Scientist/Systems Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Data Scientist/Systems Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$92,929 - $122,443
Income Estimation: 
$122,257 - $154,284
Income Estimation: 
$166,631 - $195,636
Income Estimation: 
$222,110 - $256,974
Income Estimation: 
$224,976 - $270,947
Income Estimation: 
$205,834 - $254,869
Income Estimation: 
$242,530 - $287,120
Income Estimation: 
$79,473 - $93,666
Income Estimation: 
$90,372 - $103,622
Income Estimation: 
$61,825 - $80,560
Income Estimation: 
$90,032 - $105,965
Income Estimation: 
$85,996 - $102,718
Income Estimation: 
$90,032 - $105,965
Income Estimation: 
$111,859 - $131,446
Income Estimation: 
$110,457 - $133,106
Income Estimation: 
$105,809 - $128,724
Income Estimation: 
$122,763 - $145,698
Income Estimation: 
$110,457 - $133,106
Income Estimation: 
$136,611 - $163,397
Income Estimation: 
$135,163 - $163,519
Income Estimation: 
$131,953 - $159,624
Income Estimation: 
$150,859 - $181,127
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Are you a resourceful and professional Executive Assistant ready to contribute to a high-impact team? If so, we are looking for someone like yo... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Are you an experienced leader who is passionate about developing and implementing new concepts and capabilities to support space kill chain int... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Are you searching for challenging mechanical engineering work? Do you have an interest in working with advanced manufacturing (AM) and maritime... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Do you love to solve technical problems with computer hardware and software? Are you searching for important work in information technology and... more
  • 12 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Data Scientist/Systems Engineer jobs in the Laurel, MD area that may be a better fit.

  • Energy Job Search Chantilly, VA
  • Title: Data Scientist / Systems Engineer BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR. Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, crea... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • MITRE Mc Lean, VA
  • Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling o... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!