Job Description

Do you enjoy developing and prototyping novel engineered materials, surfaces and devices for manipulating microwave electromagnetic fields?

Are you skilled in experiment design and using radio frequency (RF) hardware and associated software to characterize RF prototypes?

Do you have experience calibrating and operating RF systems composed of antennas, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators to characterize novel RF metastructures?

Are you interested in processes for fabricating and integrating printed circuit boards?

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

As a research scientist, you will join a team of computational and experimental researchers who are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future development and application of advanced microwave devices, materials, and systems. Our team is committed to scientific excellence and continuous learning/improvement, valuing high-risk, high-reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.

We are seeking a creative RF researcher to help us fulfill the technical needs of existing projects and help in growing new ones. As a member of our team, you’ll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real-world transitioned technologies.

As a RF Research Experimentalist:

Your primary responsibility will be to work closely with our team to oversee the design, prototyping, and fabrication of novel electromagnetic surfaces, structures, and materials designed for manipulating RF fields. In addition, you will participate in performing anechoic chamber measurements and devise RF testbeds to characterize the performance of electromagnetic prototypes, analyze data, and propose design refinements. Finally, you will advance independent research and development ideas while collaborating with a diverse team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.

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

• Hold a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Possess a strong background in electromagnetics, microwave circuits, and RF electronics.
• Have proficiency in using a full-wave electromagnetic simulation package such as CST or COMSOL.
• Have 1+ year working experience in calibrating and characterizing typical RF hardware equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), antennas, and spectrum analyzers.
• Have a working knowledge of the procedures and protocols pertaining to the fabrication of engineered electromagnetic surfaces.
• Write scientific programs in LABVIEW, MATLAB or PYTHON.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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...

• Have experience in printed circuit board layout and fabrication.
• Have interest in building systems with RF components (e.g., mixers, amplifiers, filters, and detectors)

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 http://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.