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Network Engineering Innovator with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics LaboratoryLaurel, MD🇺🇸United StatesPosted Sep 29, 2026

Quick Overview

Salary
$100k - $245k/yr
Seniority
Mid Senior
Work mode
Hybrid
Location
Laurel, MD, United States
Posted
11 hours ago

Job Description

Description Do you love to develop creative and impactful networked systems solutions for the nation's most critical challenges? Are you searching for meaningful work in network engineering? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a Networking Engineering Innovator who is motivated to create solutions for hardest national security challenges.

You will be joining a team of engineers who look at protocol implementation, network services, and distributed network systems design and architecture to apply to our Government and Military sponsors across numerous departments and agencies. Our solutions need to be able to operate in a timely and reliable manner in degraded or contested environments, ranging from integration or adoption of existing solutions to first-of-their-kind capabilities. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation and application...and we would love to have you on our team!

You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are passionate about building creative and novel communication systems. Our team is committed to national security. We strive to cultivate an environment that promotes professional growth and a balanced life. We value the exchange of different thoughts and ideas. As a Network Engineering Innovator, you will...

  • Lead the research, development and implementation of modernized and/or innovative networking solutions to address Government and Military challenges.
  • Provide thought leadership in the areas of networked systems and application software development by teaming with colleagues to propose creative approaches and new concepts to address hard problems.
  • Architect, develop, integrate, and test software-based command and control, secure communication, and networking systems in operationally-realistic environments, working closely with sponsors to ensure mission success.
  • Interact with technical specialists in other fields as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Detail work in technical reports and memoranda and present work to sponsors and the technical community.

Note: The ideal candidate combines strong innovative and entrepreneurial skills and experience with networking concepts to further the development of pioneering network capabilities for our sponsors. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

  • A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related, technical discipline.
  • At least five years of relevant experience in data networking and IP standards.
  • A strong understanding of and experience with networking fundamentals (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, routing, switching, IPV4/6, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS).
  • Experience devising approaches and using tools to debug networked systems (e.g., tcpdump, Wireshark, netstat, ss).
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, work independently, and work in a multi-organizational team.
  • Willingness and ability to travel on an as needed basis.
  • 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...
  • A Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related, technical discipline.
  • At least ten years of relevant experience in data networking and IP standards.
  • Experience in software development employing different languages: C, C++, Python, Rust, and BASH scripting.
  • Experience leading networking projects and managing teams of engineers.
  • Experience applying AI to network capability development and/or characterization.
  • Exposure to US Government and military communication systems and network technologies, voice and video streaming, or conferencing software.
  • Experience implementing or adapting network protocols (application, transport, routing, or custom protocols).
  • Experience with container networking and orchestration (Kubernetes, CNI plugins, service meshes).
  • Familiarity with software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV).
  • An active Top Secret security clearance with SSBI and have recently been adjudicated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.
#LI-AG1 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 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 . 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

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