Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are hiring a Senior Software Engineer

Are you passionate about building solutions for our greatest national security challenges?

Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

Do you value working in a creative and collaborative environment?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Analytic Capabilities group of the Asymmetric Operations Sector is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop innovative solutions that have impactful contributions in cyber operations, special operations, and global health. Our group specializes in building scalable data pipelines and tailored analytics for new domains, deploying and adapting generative artificial intelligence for sponsor challenges, and assuring AI/ML solutions.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will...

• Apply technical, leadership, and relational skills to plan and execute projects in highly collaborative environments
• Develop and own high-quality code across all levels of the stack, supporting the full software development lifecycle from requirements development and prototyping through continuous integration, deployment, transition, and sustainment
• Model and apply solid engineering practices around architectural design, testability, scalability, and maintainability, including modular development, design patterns, and effective integration of AI-assisted development into team workflows
• Apply experiences with backend design, database design, high-performance desktop visualization, web frameworks, and cloud/containerized software deployment

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

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or other relevant technical field, or another Bachelor's or Master's degree, with relevant experience
• At least 5 years of software development and engineering experience
• Extensive programming experience in Python, Javascript, Java, Kotlin, or C++
• Extensive experience with Git, Gitlab Continuous Integration and Deployment, or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through the full software development lifecycle, including requirements, development, continuous integration and deployment, and testing
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• Experience with agile or similar software development methodologies
• Experience with dynamic web front end frameworks such as Vue, React or Angular
• Experience with Java/Kotlin desktop visualization frameworks such as Swing, JavaFx, or TornadoFx
• Experience with Python/Flask, Python/FastAPI, or Java/Spring
• Experience with API design, REST APIs, HTTP, and Oauth
• Experience with relational and non-relational database design and scalability
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience working with enterprise cloud providers such as AWS, GCP, or Azure
• Experience using AI coding harnesses or related methods for agentic software development
• Experience building MCP tools, skill configurations, or other applications of agentic AI
• An Active Top Secret level security clearance
• 10+ years of experience in software development

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 https://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 Accessibility@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.