Demo

Signal Processing / Communications Engineer

Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 9/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/1/2026
Description

Are you passionate about embracing challenges and deploying solutions?

In the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group, our dedicated multidisciplinary staff work side-by-side in the lab and in the field to develop and deploy ISR sensors, payloads and vehicles. Our group also has a growing body of work focused on novel waveforms, approaches, and algorithms for communications in the underwater acoustic channel as well as in RF. These systems are engineered to accomplish critical missions for our government sponsors. The people who work here embrace challenges, adapt to dynamic environments, and are continually looking to advance their technical and leadership skills. Our senior staff are passionate about mentoring and coaching junior staff to continue to strengthen our impactful teams. Are you interested in being a member of our group? Join us at APL, a national leader in scientific research and development, and an employer that prioritizes innovation, impact, and personal development!

We are seeking an experienced Signal Processing and Communications Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a member of our engineering team, you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and testing algorithms with an emphasis on underwater communication and localization techniques. You will those implement algorithms in embedded systems for real-time operation. Your expertise will contribute to the advancement of our technology, allowing us to provide state-of-the-art solutions to our sponsors!

As a Signal Processing / Communications Engineer you will...
  • Design communication waveforms, protocols and systems tailored to mission objectives.
  • Implement algorithms efficiently in real-time embedded systems.
  • Conduct simulations and modeling of communication channels to analyze performance and optimize system designs.
  • Develop signal processing algorithms for detection, classification, demodulation and localization.
  • Implement modulators, demodulators and system controllers on embedded hardware.
  • Perform laboratory and field testing of systems to evaluate their performance and validate design concepts.
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate systems into larger platforms or vehicles.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in communications technology and participate in research efforts.
  • Document engineering processes, design specifications, and test results for internal and external use.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
  • Bachelors in Electrical, Computer Engineering or closely related field with an emphasis on signal processing and communications.
  • At least 3 years of relevant signal processing experience.
  • Experience in designing and implementing signal processing algorithms.
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as C/C , Python, or MATLAB for signal processing and algorithm development.
  • Familiarity with embedded systems design and hardware implementation of signal processing algorithms.
  • Strong multi-tasking and engineering/analytical skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Desire to travel to CONOCONUS field test locations such as the desert, mountains, or ocean for up to 15% of your time.
  • An active Secret security clearance. 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...
  • MS degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
  • At least 5 years of relevant signal processing experience.
  • Experience in designing and implementing communication systems.
  • Familiarity with digital signal processing techniques and algorithms used in underwater communication and localization systems.
  • Solid understanding of underwater acoustics principles, including sound propagation, signal processing, and channel modeling.
  • Effectively led and interacted with teams of different experience levels and academic backgrounds.
  • An active Top Secret security clearance or higher.

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 ;br>
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

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

$245,000 Annually

Salary : $100,000

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 Signal Processing / Communications Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Signal Processing / Communications Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$90,059 - $113,247
Income Estimation: 
$78,000 - $102,313
Income Estimation: 
$109,521 - $135,401
Income Estimation: 
$101,213 - $124,848
Income Estimation: 
$125,799 - $152,617
Income Estimation: 
$110,220 - $132,692
Income Estimation: 
$111,195 - $140,107
Income Estimation: 
$126,558 - $144,904
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
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 University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory

  • Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Are you interested in contributing to the design and advancement of weapon systems and architectures vital to our national defense? If so, we '... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Do you have a passion for research, development, and integration of ground-breaking maritime technology? Do you have a desire to help solve som... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Do you thrive in and love a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment? Do you want to be empowered to take ownership and stake in the overall ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Are you passionate about applying reliability and system engineering principles to analyze and assess the resilience of future strategic weapon... more
  • 1 Day Ago


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

  • Penn State Reston, VA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Laurel, MD
  • Description Do you have expertise in the research and development of signal or image processing algorithms? Would you like to use that expertise to help ad... more
  • 3 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!