Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is hiring a Software Engineer for its Threat Analytic Systems (QAI) Group in Laurel, MD. In this onsite role, you will help take software concepts from early prototypes to dependable applications that support evolving operational needs.

The position focuses on hands-on development, collaboration with users, and technical documentation across research and development activities. Work moves at a fast pace, with opportunities to refine system design, improve task efficiency, and strengthen cross-organizational alignment.

What you will do

• Design, implement, test, and deploy software applications in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Work directly with users to understand their operations and gather requirements.
• Lead design reviews to collect feedback on system design, integration, and testing.
• Document and present work tied to current research and development activities.
• Identify new and innovative approaches to improve task efficiency and document software approaches.
• Build relationships across organizational boundaries to increase collaboration.

Required qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with at least 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with a high-level language, including significant experience with Java or Python.
• Experience with web development using modern JavaScript frameworks such as Vue.js, ReactJS, or Angular.
• Experience with containerized software tools, including Docker.
• Ability to work with loosely defined or high-level requirements rather than a fully defined project schedule.
• Experience contributing to the development of new requirements, including setting requirements, defining architecture, and scoping and tasking work for team members based on customer needs.
• Familiarity with relational databases (Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres, SQL, etc.) or non-relational databases (MongoDB, CouchDB, HBase, etc.).
• Proven success working in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance; if selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including U.S. citizenship.

Technologies you may work with

• Java, Python
• Vue.js, ReactJS, Angular
• Docker
• Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres, SQL
• MongoDB, CouchDB, HBase
• TS/SCI security clearance

Bonus qualifications

• An M.S. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Experience with relational and non-relational databases in areas such as query optimization, database design, and scalability.
• Experience with agentic coding tools (for example, Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode).
• Experience with cloud deployment solutions such as AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes.
• Experience developing software in the AWS ecosystem using services such as S3, EC2, and Lambda.
• Experience developing software in projects using well-defined testing methodologies.
• Experience with semantic web technologies and ontologies.
• Expertise with CSS and web design.
• Experience with DoD and/or IC customers.

Compensation and location

• Location: Laurel, MD (onsite)
• Salary range: USD 100,000 - 245,000 per year

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

Minimum rate: $100,000 Annually
Maximum rate: $245,000 Annually