2026 Intern - Physics (Research and Exploratory Development)
About The Position
Are you passionate about applying physics to solve complex, real-world problems in support of our nation’s most critical missions? If you are excited to work in an innovative, collaborative environment tackling challenges in defense, space, security, and advanced technology development, we would love to have you join our team. The REDD Physics Group (R1B) brings together expertise across a broad range of physics-driven disciplines, including quantum science, electromagnetics, optics and photonics, sensing, advanced materials, modeling and simulation, and emerging technologies. We work at the intersection of theory, computation, and experiment to develop impactful solutions for national security sponsors. We seek talented and motivated students to contribute to cutting-edge research and development efforts spanning fundamental physics to applied system prototyping. We foster an open, technically rigorous, and highly collaborative work environment, with opportunities to explore multiple technical domains. As a Physics Intern in the REDD Physics Group, you may: Support research in areas such as quantum science, electromagnetics, optics, sensing, advanced materials, or related physics-based technologies. Develop and implement computational models and simulations to analyze physical systems. Assist with laboratory experiments, hardware integration, data collection, and performance characterization. Analyze experimental or simulated data and present findings to internal technical teams. Contribute to prototype development, algorithm design, or system-level performance assessments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify and address emerging technical challenges using physics-based approaches.
Requirements
- Are pursuing a Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, mathematics, computer science, materials science, or a related technical field.
- Have experience with scientific computing (e.g., Python, MATLAB) or programming languages such as C/C++ or Java.
- Are motivated to learn new tools, technologies, and experimental or computational methods.
- Work effectively in small, multidisciplinary teams.
- Have US citizenship or permanent resident status which is required to access APL's facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws.
Nice To Haves
- Coursework or research experience in one or more relevant technical areas (e.g., quantum science, electromagnetics, optics, signal processing, modeling and simulation, advanced materials, or sensing technologies).
- Experience with high-performance computing, numerical methods, or large-scale data analysis.
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, vector network analyzers, optical test equipment, or related tools.
- Experience designing, building, or testing hardware or experimental systems.
Responsibilities
- Support research in areas such as quantum science, electromagnetics, optics, sensing, advanced materials, or related physics-based technologies.
- Develop and implement computational models and simulations to analyze physical systems.
- Assist with laboratory experiments, hardware integration, data collection, and performance characterization.
- Analyze experimental or simulated data and present findings to internal technical teams.
- Contribute to prototype development, algorithm design, or system-level performance assessments.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify and address emerging technical challenges using physics-based approaches.
Benefits
- generous benefits
- robust education assistance program
- unparalleled retirement contributions
- healthy work/life balance
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
