2024 PhD Graduate - Cyber Physical Systems Security Researcher

Do you love developing proofs-of-concept and prototypes of control systems and technologies?

Are you a skilled researcher passionate about analyzing control systems for cyber vulnerabilities?

Are you searching for meaningful work defending critical infrastructure from persistent threats?

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

We are seeking a PhD Cyber Physical System (CPS) Security Researcher to create game-changing capabilities that enable U.S. infrastructure to be robust in the face of complex threats and determined adversaries.

Our group is a team of computer, system, and cybersecurity researchers designing, building, hacking, destroying, and inventing to advance the state of the art in CPS cybersecurity. We are not satisfied with producing laboratory-only capabilities. We are continuously deploying our work out into operational facilities to truly support our missions. Our group’s work protects U.S. citizens on a daily basis, as they fly in our national airspace, and ensures resources such as water and power are delivered continuously and safely. As a member of our team, you will have access to, and the ability to shape, premier research facilities such as our CYPRESS Laboratory.

We champion creativity, diversity, and boldness, empowering our staff to design, develop, and pursue in their own unique ways. We embrace a high performing hybrid work environment, allowing our team to work flexibly so long as the job gets done. We are a caring and fun community that works hard because we love what we do and we want to make a difference.

As a CPS Security Researcher…

• Your primary responsibility will be conducting independent research and development to advance state of the art for cyber-physical systems to be self-aware, self-organized, self-healed, and self-optimized. Key research areas include assurance, digital twins, and decision science
• You will Collaborate with sponsors to understand their missions and success criteria
• You will be part of site deployment teams that will migrate technology from laboratory to practice
• You will have a say in the projects you are a part of and contribute to what matters to you. Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to design and engineer cutting edge resilience solutions for cyber-physical systems
• You will reverse engineer control system network protocols
• You will engage in red teaming exercises and adversary emulation
• You will design, integrate, test and scale-up end-to-end cyber situational awareness capabilities
• You will perform gap analysis on commercial tools for government use
• You will test solutions on in-house hardware testbeds representing Critical infrastructure sectors

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a PhD in Computer Science or related field
• 4+ years of relevant research experience
• Have familiarity with Cyber Physical Systems, and critical infrastructure systems
• Have experience as a self-directed engineer / research scientist who excels at driving new research ideas from conception and experimentation to prototyping
• Have knowledge of IP networking, virtualization, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) protocols
• Have strong programming skills with general purpose languages in production environments
• Are comfortable with modern software engineering practices such as version control
• Have outstanding technical leadership and excellent communication skills (verbal, written, PC, presentation) to lead new research areas and multi-team cross-functional collaborations
• Have interest and demonstrated experience with IT and OT domains
• Have strong familiarity with operating systems (e.g., Linux), embedded systems, and protocols
• Are able to obtain 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…

• Have expertise in AI/ML, real-time operating systems, data science, or autonomous systems
• Have previously worked with Allen Bradley, RSLogix, or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Have research experience and publications in relevant fields or Tech Lead experience
• Have Active Secret or above clearance

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 http://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.