2025 PhD Graduate - Cyber Dominance Group -Developing / Fielding Cyber Defense & Exploitation Capabilities

Are you a recent Doctoral graduate looking to work in the fast-paced, exciting field of cybersecurity? If so, we'd love to have you join our team!

Doctoral level Engineers and Scientists are key members of the APL community. We are seeking the next generation of big thinkers to help us tackle the complex research, engineering, and analytical problems that present critical challenges to our nation. We value your unusual perspectives, creative thinking and disruptive ideas as essential to discovering defining innovations.

The A4J Cyber Dominance Group is comprised engineers, scientists, developers, and analysts focused on developing and fielding cyber defense and exploitation capabilities in support of Department of Defense missions and sponsors. We are seeking passionate, talented individuals with an insatiable curiosity to join our burgeoning team.

As an incoming new graduate with a background and interest in cybersecurity, systems engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, automation, or exploit development, you may find yourself:

- Applying cyber resilience principles while conducting systems engineering activities that incorporate cybersecurity throughout the system development lifecycle from initial design through deployment and operational testing

- Integrating cybersecurity solutions into unique, resource constrained environments that enhance and improve modern and legacy systems

- Automating system deployment within the DevSecOps pipeline

- Designing and developing new cybersecurity tools and features, including analytics and algorithms for situational awareness and host/network protections

- Discovering vulnerabilities and creating exploits using publically available or custom developed tools that can be utilized for testing and tactical applications

- Conducting detailed technical analysis of test data to determine cyber gaps in existing systems and propose mitigations to ensure cyber resilience

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

• Have a Doctoral degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Physics, Data Science, Mathematics, or another equivalent fieldAre an expert in computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, machine learning, artifical intelligence, or cyber exploitation

• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills and have the ability to articulate complex technical issues to a wide range of audiences
• Are able to obtain a Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date. You will be required to receive a final Secret. 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 an established body of research in some aspect of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, or cyber exploitation

• Lead and actively participate in forums addressing current and future cybersecurity issues, concerns, or technical challenges

• Currently possess a Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top 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

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 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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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.