2025 BS/MS Graduate - AI/ML Research Engineer

Are you excited by current breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI)?

Do you love to code?

Do you want your work to make an impact on areas like national security, public health, or space exploration?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics and hope to pursue a research career, we want to meet you! The AI Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is a team of researchers that is inventing the future of AI for the nation. You can learn more about our current research at www.jhuapl.edu/isc.

As a member of our team, your primary responsibilities will be to write code, analyze data, and to run experiments for multiple research projects. You will get opportunities to publish your work and present the results of your efforts to the scientific community, external collaborators, and/or government sponsors. We hire for a career, not for a specific project; within five years, we want to help you grow as a technical leader who can work independently and develop new research ideas of your own to pursue

Our team is committed to excellence in research with real-world mission intent. Successful researchers tend to be creative problem solvers who have lots of initiative. Our culture welcomes a diversity of backgrounds and professional experience as we aim to solve challenging, interdisciplinary problems.

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics.
• Have research experience in AI, ML, or data science from a school project or internship.
• Are proficient in Python programming with experience using Pytorch, Tensorflow, OpenCV, or spaCy.
• Are able to acquire a DoD Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a Top Secret security 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 previously published your work in the scientific literature.
• Have experience applying AI/ML to real-world data such as full-motion video, satellite or medical imagery, unstructured text, electronic health records, or audio recordings.
• Have experience developing software around large language models, either via commercial API (e.g. ChatGPT) or via locally-hosted, open-source models (e.g. Llama).
• Have experience using development tools like Docker and version control platforms like GitHub/GitLab
• Have experience developing software for robotic systems, especially using ROS/ROS2.
• Have experience developing simulated environments in Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Have experience with front-end web application development, especially in JavaScript.
• Have experience with back-end database development, especially Microsoft SQL Server, MySL, PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, or MongoDB.
• Have experience with cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.

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.

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.