2027 Internship - Custom Communications

Do you enjoy building innovative solutions in a collaborative research environment?

Are you eager to improve your skills through projects that combine computer networking, RF, and SDR experimentation to support our country's cyber operations and intelligence communities?

If you are studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering and want to develop new solutions in wireless and wired communications, we'd love to have you join our engineering team!

We are seeking motivated interns to help us prototype, evaluate, and improve mission-relevant communication systems. Our projects often require creative engineering approaches to connect systems, move information, and understand performance in constrained or dynamic environments. You will join a team of engineers and scientists who value curiosity, technical difficulty, teamwork, and a willingness to learn across subject areas.

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

• Develop new concepts and technical solutions for resilient communications in challenging operational environments.
• Design and implement simulation tools to analyze the performance of communications and networking systems, with opportunities to explore agentic solutions.
• Gain experience with RF and communications technologies, including software-defined radios, SATCOM, cellular systems, and GNURadio.
• Develop familiarity with Linux-based system integration, radio control interfaces, and programming for analysis, automation, and rapid prototyping.
• Work with software technologies and frameworks, including but not limited to Docker, IP Networking, Wireshark, and Ansible.
• Research, advance, and apply new technologies to improve existing communication and networking frameworks, growing resilience, security, and operational flexibility.

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

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Have experience with Linux or command-line development environments and programming in one or more languages such as Python, Rust, C/C , or MATLAB.
• Are interested in developing skills related to communications theory and systems, obfuscated communications, and computer networking.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a final Secret level security 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...

• Have classroom or professional work experience with operational communication systems, software-defined radios, client-to-server or server-to-server architectures, or developing middleware and networked software solutions.
• Knowledge of networking protocols and technologies and how they work with other systems or communication systems across the PHY/MAC layers.

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 athttps://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 contactAccessibility@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.