2025 Internship - Prototyping & Signal Analysis - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Are you a self-motivated engineer who wants to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of the nation's defenses to support next generation hypersonic missile and reentry systems, as well as undersea platforms?

Are you passionate about working with collaborative and dedicated teams to move ideas to prototypes and to solve signal processing challenges with real impact?

If you are studying in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics and are interested in applying embedded systems, signal processing skills, or mathematical analysis to tackle national security problems with hardware prototypes and detailed analysis, we'd love to have you on our team!

We are seeking inquisitive engineers to work with our team and take problems from algorithm to fielded prototypes in areas of contested navigation, hypersonic re-entry, and long-range missile technologies. We will share our knowledge in navigation, signal processing, digital design, hardware design, and physics-based analysis to help you contribute in solving real design challenges, continuously improving on the state of the art!

As a prototyping and signal analysis intern, you will join our team to...

• Leverage various embedded technologies including FPGAs and microcontrollers to integrate sensors such as radio navigation receivers, software defined radios, or inertial measurement units (IMUs)
• Implement sophisticated signal processing algorithms for various types of communication, telemetry, and radio navigation sensors
• Leverage analytical and scientific programming skills to assess performance of systems, both fielded and prototype
• Make meaningful contributions as you deploy your algorithms and concepts to prototype systems
• Collaborate to test and demonstrate systems in live field tests

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

• Are pursuing a B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Are proficient in Python, Matlab, C, C++, or VHDL
• Have strong communication skills and effectively connect with technical team members and leaders
• Are passionate about and capable of learning new technologies and working with or analyzing the performance of embedded systems
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Are knowledgeable in linear, discrete signal, and random signal systems
• Have knowledge in the fields of RF communications and digital signal processing (DSP), or communications engineering
• Are familiar with satellite navigation like GPS or other radio navigation concepts
• Have experience implementing algorithms with hardware platforms or embedded systems
• Have experience with software development processes

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.