Do you love to work in optical communications?

Are you searching for meaningful work leveraging FPGAs and microprocessors for advanced photonic applications?

Are you passionate about synchronization of distributed systems?

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

We are seeking an engineer to help us advance our capabilities in optical communications and synchronization of distributed systems. As a member of the Advanced Technologies section in the Optics and Photonics group, you will work at the intersection of digital and photonic systems. You will contribute to projects in optical communications, precision synchronization, and control of advanced photonic systems for state-of-the-art applications. Our team is committed to staff mentoring, development, and continuing education.

As a Photonic Systems Firmware Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be supporting the development of digital control systems for optical communications, precision synchronization, and other advanced applications.
• You will also read, interpret, and design schematics for subsystems that bridge the digital, RF, and optical domains.
• You will communicate your results through writing and slides to task leads, and program leadership.
• You will support the development and fielding of advanced photonic prototypes for multiple applications.

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

• Possess a BS in computer or electrical engineering, physics, or related technical discipline
• Have 3+ years of experience developing firmware and software for optical communications and precision synchronization applications.
• Are skilled in communication and synchronization protocols.
• Are willing and able to travel to field sites, and work in a laboratory environment.
• Are able to obtain a/an 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...

• Possess a MS in computer or electrical engineering, physics, or related technical discipline
• Have 5+ years of experience developing firmware and software for optical communications and precision synchronization applications.

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.

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.