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Chief Scientist

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, Maryland, Laurel
11100 Johns Hopkins Road (Show on map)
May 29, 2026
Description

Are you passionate about advancing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that protect our nation's air and missile defense systems from evolving cyber threats?

Do you love leading innovative research and collaborating with top experts to develop resilient, mission-critical technologies for national security challenges?

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

At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in air and missile defense, homeland protection, cybersecurity, force projection, and space science. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering to address these national security challenges. We take pride in achieving practical, operationally sound solutions to complex problems, with a focus on innovation, affordability, and timeliness.

The Air and Missile Defense Cyber Engineering Group is currently seeking a Chief Scientist to lead a team of cybersecurity experts in the conduct of research, development of concepts, and the definition of cutting edge cybersecurity solutions needed to defend our nation's air and missile defense systems from cyber threats.

As the Group Chief Scientist your primary responsibility will be to define revolutionary cybersecurity and cyber resilience concepts and technologies in support of our nation's air and missile defense systems. Air and Missile Defense systems require innovative approaches to implement cyber resilience.

As a Chief Scientist, you will...

  • Drive the definition, concept development, and prototyping of cybersecurity solutions for complex systems.
  • Lead research, assessment, engineering, and development tasks to expedite fielding of cyber concepts.
  • Shape strategy to advance the state of the art in cybersecurity.
  • Define new ways to leverage cyber performance measures and metrics to identify and respond to anomalous cyber behavior.
  • Conceptualize new approaches for improving cyber resilience in deployed systems.
  • Lead teams of experts to expand concepts into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for defense systems.
  • Develop whitepapers, pursue internal research and development, present concepts at community forums, and work with Laboratory leadership to identify and justify investment objectives.

Qualifications

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

  • Have a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Have at least two (2) years of experience in concept development for complex systems.
  • Possess a detailed knowledge of fundamental principles for DoD policy, and NIST guidance on Cybersecurity, Cyber Resilience, Cyber Risk Management, System Hardening, and Cyber Testing.
  • Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Are highly motivated with the ability to work independently, apply critical thinking to problem solving, and produce positive results for highly challenging sponsor needs.
  • Have a proven track record for proposing innovative, technical solutions, securing funding, assembling staff, delivering a prototype, and transitioning the technology to external partners.
  • Have established a research agenda and technology roadmap, incorporating Government/DoW strategic documents to guide organizational innovation efforts
  • Are adept at building, managing, and working as part of high performing teams with aggressive delivery timelines.
  • Have the ability to occasional travel and work at military facilities including underway on US Navy ships and aircraft, requiring occasional work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.
  • Hold an active Secret security clearance 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...

  • Hold a Doctoral Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Have Ten (10) or more years of experience conducting cyber related research.
  • Have Experience in the development and deployment of Navy and DoD systems.
  • Hold a current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance above Top Secret.

About Us

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 of perspectives 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 athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually
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