Sensor and Detector Design Engineer
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory· Defense & Aerospace R&D· Jul 1, 2026 · 4mo agoPosted 118 days ago
Laurel, Maryland
In office
Full-time
Mid
$115K–$166K est.
2+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 1, 2026 — 118 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Description
Are you passionate about developing next-generation infrared sensors and electro-optical instrumentation for groundbreaking space missions?
Do you want to see the technology you design fly on missions that advance our understanding of the solar system?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking talented engineers with expertise in infrared sensors, detector characterization, and electro-optical instrumentation to contribute to the research, development, integration, and testing of spaceflight instruments. If you are passionate about infrared detector technologies, focal plane arrays, and advancing state-of-the-art instrumentation for spaceflight missions, we would be excited to have you join our team.
The Space Science Electronics Group at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory builds instruments and electronics systems that generate data used in scientific research. Our group of approximately 40 engineers brings technical expertise across all aspects of instrument development, including systems engineering, digital and analog electronics design, FPGA design, software design detector and detector electronics. We work closely with engineers and scientists across the Laboratory to develop instruments for spaceflight missions. Examples of our work include the instrument suite on the MESSENGER spacecraft, instruments for Europa Clipper, imagers on DART, and many other missions. We are currently developing instruments for Dragonfly and NOAA SOLAR missions. The instruments we build include magnetometers, optical imagers, particle instruments, and gamma-ray and neutron spectrometers.
As a Sensor and Detector Design Engineer, you will…
• Conduct research, design, and development of electro-optical and infrared sensing technologies for spaceflight instruments.
• Design, model, analyze, and optimize detector and sensor systems, including focal plane arrays, readout electronics, and associated instrumentation.
• Develop and execute lab experiments to characterize detector performance across various spectral bands.
• Perform electrical, optical, spectral, and environmental characterization of detector technologies and evaluate performance against mission requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers throughout all phases of instrument development.
• Support proposal development and contribute technical expertise to future spaceflight opportunities.
• Preparing for and presenting at design reviews.
• Generating test plans and technical documentation.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent technical field, with 2+ years of experience in sensor and detector systems design.
• Experience with designing, developing, or characterizing electro-optical, infrared, or other sensor technologies.
• Experience with laboratory testing, characterization, and analysis of electronic or electro-optical systems.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design and circuit simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Eligibility to obtain a Secret-level 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...
• A PhD. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent 5+ years of technical experience in sensor and detector systems, analog electronics, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Experience designing space-qualified electronics, including custom detector electronics, part selection, de-rating, and worst-case analysis, radiation considerations, and design margin assessment.
• Experience designing, troubleshooting, and operating laboratory test equipment and instrumentation
• Experience supporting the development of spaceflight, aerospace, or defense instrumentation.
• Leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and mentor early-career engineers.
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 at jhuapl.edu .
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 contact Accessibility@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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
Application prep
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
Paid Time Off