Are you a hands-on person that enjoys working on multi-disciplinary teams to reverse engineer embedded systems?

Do you want to collaborate with world-class experts to crack seemingly-impossible problems?

Are you passionate about national security cyber challenges?

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

We are seeking a skilled technician to be an integral team member to our growing portfolio of reverse engineering projects. This is an outstanding opportunity to apply a passion for electronics assembly, problem solving skills, and organizational skills to numerous projects in parallel in order to safeguard our nation's security. To help us meet the operational needs of our sponsors, we need an enthusiastic person to support and improve the team's reverse engineering processes and tradecraft while running several unique laboratory facilities to ensure smooth operation in a fast-paced environment!

As a Reverse Engineering Technician...

• Your primary responsibility will be to use the proper tools, equipment, and processes to inventory complex platforms, disassemble hardware systems, photograph subassemblies, identify components, analyze printed circuit boards (PCBs), document results, and share key findings with teams of reverse engineers
• Verify, hand place, and hand solder components on PCBs in accordance with engineering documentation and remove surface-mounted storage integrated circuits (ICs) and extract software/firmware using IC readers
• Execute test plans that require the use of RF spectrum analyzers, signal generators, waveform generators, protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and power supplies
• Schedule computed tomography (CT) x-ray and optical image scans of PCBs with the appropriate APL technicians
• Run six reverse engineering labs at varying classification levels to include tracking property, escorting personnel, resource planning, and maintaining orderly, clean, and stocked facilities
• Participate in laboratory and field tests by providing logistical and organizational support for systems under test including coordinating Bills of Materials (BOMs), checkout of test hardware, and shipping documentation

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

• Hold a high school diploma with five years of relevant electronics technician experience
• Have a solid understanding of electronics laboratory test equipment, electrical systems, circuits, and ICs and are proficient in soldering/de-soldering components on fine pitch electronic assemblies under a microscope
• Possess excellent organizational, communication skills, and time management skills with demonstrated ability to appropriately prioritize multiple tasks
• Have a passion to learn and improve yourself and work processes
• Willingness to support infrequent field tests, which may include local travel to test sites, and shifted work hours (some evenings/weekends) on occasion
• Have the ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance, and ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with polygraph. If selected, you will be subject to a government security 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...

• An Associate Degree from a two-year college or technical trade school
• 10+ years or relevant experience in industry or military
• Knowledge and experience with multi-layered PCB design tools and board bring-up troubleshooting
• Prior experience with RF test and measurements, programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python) for test automation, and/or problem-solving wired TCP/IP networking communications and wireless communication systems (e.g., cellular)
• An active Secret security clearance or higher (up to Top Secret/SCI with full scope polygraph)

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.

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.