2026 Graduate - Physicist/Nuclear Engineer - Applied Chemistry and Physics

Are you passionate about physics?

Do you want to tackle tough problems, make real-world impact, and drive the future?

If you are graduating with a degree in physics or nuclear engineering, and want to work on high-impact problems, we would love to have you join our team!

We are seeking talented individuals to join a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of physicists, nuclear engineers, materials scientists, and chemists. At APL, you will work directly with experienced scientists and engineers to develop novel detectors, build physics simulations, and push cutting-edge technology into the field.

As a member of our team, you will be among creative thinkers, motivated problem-solvers, and life-long learners that work to strengthen the safety and security of our country.

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

• Help design, build, test, and evaluate scientific instrumentation to address concerns related to national defense, terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction.
• Help develop software to run test equipment, and algorithms to detect radiological material.
• Participate in field studies, to help guide the development of new technology and evaluate performance.
• Build and run Monte Carlo simulations to model radiation transport.

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

• Have a Bachelor's in physics, nuclear engineering, or a related technical field, with a strong academic record.
• Are proficient in at least one of the following programming languages: MATLAB, C/C , Java, or Python.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have worked successfully in a team environment.
• Are able to travel occasionally for field tests, and to attend meetings with government partners and stakeholders.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security 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 will go above and beyond our minimal requirements if you...

• Have a Master's in physics, nuclear engineering, or a related technical field, with a strong academic record.
• Have experience performing hands-on laboratory research, including in internships.
• Have experience performing data analysis and writing scientific reports.

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.