2025 Graduate – Optical Engineer - Space Science Instrumentation - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Description:

Do you want to design and build unique scientific instruments for NASA spacecraft that will enable groundbreaking scientific discovery throughout the solar system and beyond?

Are you passionate about ensuring our nation’s security and want to contribute to space-based defense systems?

Do you want to work in a team setting with other engineers of all disciplines on space flight hardware development programs?

 

We are seeking optical and imaging systems engineers ready to take on new challenges with us as we lead APL efforts for space flight instrument production in support of scientific discovery.  You will join our team of multi-disciplinary staff including systems, optical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers in conjunction with our companion-group that provides the electronics, FPGA, and software expertise.  Together we design, build, test, and deliver science instruments to spacecraft missions throughout the NASA portfolio – recent missions include instruments for Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and more.

 

As a space instrumentation optical engineer, you will:

• Support instrument concept development, proposals, fundamental design, prototyping, detailed design, build, and test activities, culminating with delivery of an instrument to a spacecraft and ongoing technical and operational support.
• Perform the necessary modeling, analysis, and test activities to finalize the design and prove that each instrument meets science, operational, and interface requirements prior to delivery.
• Perform optical design – requirements capture, concept design, layout, ray tracing, simulation, radiometry, tolerance analysis, opto-mechanical interface, proposal efforts, generation of component drawings, and presentation.
• Perform stray light analysis – modeling, simulation, mitigation design, and presentation.
• Provide general laboratory and I&T support, including optical alignment, testing, and calibration

Qualifications:

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

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
• Have strong technical experience as demonstrated in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to NASA facilities and sub-contractor sites.
• Are willing and able to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
• Are able to ultimately obtain a TS/SCI clearance as-required per project needs. 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 minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have experience working on hardware design and development.
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

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.

About Us:

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.

Minimum Rate:$85,000 AnnuallyMaximum Rate:$150,000 Annually