Demo

Senior EO/IR Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 12/28/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/3/2026
Description

The Sensor Technologies Group is seeking to grow its electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) engineering team to help the nation be better prepared to detect, track, and intercept emerging next-generation threats across the electromagnetic spectrum. If you are passionate about making critical contributions to our nation’s defense in the areas of EO/IR sensors and systems, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

As a Senior EO/IR Engineer you will...

  • Design and model performance of current- and next-generation optical sensors for passive and active sensing in constrained environments
  • Understand how individual EO/IR sensor performance affects a larger system of sensors.
  • Determine analysis approaches and conduct detailed trade studies for sponsor-based work in the areas of EO/IR sensing, using existing, organically-developed M&S tools.
  • Develop hardware and sensor testbeds to validate and advance optical systems with various applications in remote sensing and multi-domain surveillance and targeting.
  • Collaborate on the development and analysis of multi-spectral sensor systems (RF and EO/IR).
  • Present analysis to sponsors and prime contractors to guide program direction.
  • Engage in opportunities to translate findings into whitepapers, conference talks, journal articles, or other internal or external publications.

Qualifications

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

  • A Master’s of Science degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering with a concentration in optics, photonics, or electromagnetics
  • A minimum 3 years relevant work experience in design, development, or testing of electro-optical or infrared systems and sensors.
  • A strong understanding of optical physics, including but not limited to radiative transfer, atmospheric phenomenology, and/or light-matter interactions
  • Experience with EO/IR image processing
  • Strong MATLAB or Python programming skills
  • The ability to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.
  • Strong inter-personal and written communication skills.
  • The ability to work and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
  • An active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security 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...

  • A PhD degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering with a concentration in optics, photonics, or electromagnetics
  • Prior exposure to RF systems or sensors.
  • Prior exposure to infrared search and track (IRST) algorithms
  • Experience using MODTRAN or NV-IPM.
  • Experience with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) or microwave photonics.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$227,500 Annually

Salary : $100,000 - $227,500

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