Job Description

Are you excited by space missions?  Do you thrive in teams dedicated to technical excellence and mission success?  If so, then please consider joining our team here at APL!

The Electronic Systems Engineering group is offering internships for students in Electrical and Computer engineering.  Interns will assist engineers in the design, analysis, build and test of electronics for space flight.  Tasks may include hardware design (board, FPGA and embedded software), test script development, and environmental test conductor.  In summer 2023 interns will support prototype hardware testing for NASA’s Dragonfly mission and a hypersonic missile defense mission.  Interns will gain valuable experience in the implementation of complex electronic systems, and learn about the unique culture and resources of APL.

The Electronic Systems Engineering group is responsible for spacecraft electrical systems and avionics.  We have a highly collaborative and collegial work environment.  Staff routinely collaborate on projects across the sector and the lab.  Our largest projects are space-borne avionics for challenging missions, including electronics for command and data handling (C&DH), data storage and encryption, custom co-processors, signal processors and controllers, and spacecraft interfaces.  We are active throughout the development lifecycle, from supporting mission concept development, to requirement definition, detailed design, fabrication, assembly and test.  After product delivery we support spacecraft integration and test as well as mission operations.

Tasks:

• Support lead engineer in the development of electronic systems. Systems may include analog and digital circuits, programmable logic (FPGA), system-on chip (SoC) and embedded software
• Circuit modeling and FPGA simulation
• Development of test scripts to automate and accelerate hardware test
• Serve as test conductor, including environmental testing in thermal-vacuum chambers, EMI/EMC and vibration/shock
• Write documentation summarizing designs and test results

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

• Pursuing Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related disciplines
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Experience designing custom electronics, including analog and digital circuits, as well as embedded systems
• Familiar with scripted programming languages such as MATLAB and Python
• Comfortable working in ESD-controlled labs, including probing PWAs and using test equipment.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Experience with programmable logic (FPGA)
• Familiar with system-on chip and embedded C
• Familiar with circuit design, layout and analysis tools

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.