Network Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced Network Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test communications and network software supporting Government missions. The role focuses on protocol implementation, network services, and distributed systems that operate reliably in degraded or contested environments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute technically and provide leadership on software systems that support critical Government communications.
• Drive thought leadership in communications systems and application software development by collaborating with colleagues to propose new concepts and approaches for complex problems.
• Architect, develop, integrate, and test software-based command and control, secure communication, and networking systems in operationally realistic environments, working with sponsors to support mission success.
• Coordinate with technical specialists across disciplines as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Produce technical reports and memoranda detailing work and present results to sponsors and the technical community.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least ten years of relevant software systems development experience, ideally in a Linux environment.
• Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals, including examples such as TCP/IP, UDP, routing, switching, DNS, and HTTP/HTTPS.
• Proven software development capability using current best practices with several of the following: C, C++, Python, Rust, and BASH scripting.
• Experience creating approaches and using debugging tools for networked systems, such as tcpdump, Wireshark, netstat, and ss.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and within a multi-organizational team.
• Willingness and ability to travel on an as-needed basis.
• An active Top Secret security clearance and the ability to ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. Selection triggers participation in a government security clearance investigation and must meet access requirements for classified information.

Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least twenty years of relevant software systems development experience.
• Experience leading software projects and managing teams of engineers.
• Exposure to U.S. Government and military communication systems and network technologies, including voice and video streaming or conferencing software.
• Experience implementing or adapting network protocols (application, transport, routing, or custom protocols).
• Deep knowledge of Linux networking internals, including kernel stack, netfilter, eBPF, and XDP.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting real-time, low-latency, or high-bandwidth systems.
• Experience with container networking and orchestration, including Kubernetes, CNI plugins, and service meshes.
• Familiarity with software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV).
• Experience and interest in DevOps practices, processes, and tools.
• Experience applying software expertise across full project lifecycles, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, and testing.
• An active Top Secret clearance with SSBI and recent adjudication for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.

Technologies

• TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS
• C, C++, Python, Rust, BASH scripting
• tcpdump, Wireshark, netstat, ss
• Linux

Compensation

• Minimum rate: $100,000 annually
• Maximum rate: $245,000 annually

The referenced pay range reflects JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary by 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 compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation, including possible sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program
• Unparalleled retirement contributions
• Healthy work/life balance
• 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 accepted on a rolling basis

Role Location

Laurel, MD (onsite)