Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Not-for-profit university affiliated research center in Laurel, Maryland that builds NASA spacecraft and does defense research and engineering.
Overview
The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university affiliated research center (UARC) of Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1942. It has more than 8,800 staff on a campus in Laurel, Maryland, about 80% of them in technical roles, working across 13 mission areas that include space exploration, air and missile defense, and research. Its space sector builds and operates spacecraft for NASA, and much of the rest of its work is for defense sponsors. APL runs a college internship program and a separate high school internship program for local students.
Student Insights
High school students near Laurel can intern
APL's ASPIRE program places high school juniors and seniors with staff mentors. Requirements include U.S. citizenship (green card holders are not eligible), a minimum 2.8 GPA, being at least 15 by June 1, and living in one of several listed Maryland counties, parts of Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC. You need your own transportation because the campus is not served by public transit.
College internships and new graduates
Pathways, APL's college internship program, requires a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment for the semester after the internship, and postings go up each fall on a rolling basis. APL also has a dedicated page for new and recent college graduates. Much of APL's work is for defense sponsors, so read each posting for citizenship and clearance requirements rather than assuming.
AI Outlook
APL's research mission area includes a program on intelligent systems, and the lab applies autonomy and machine learning across defense and space work.
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- NASA spacecraft development and operations
- ASPIRE High School Internship Program
- Air and missile defense research
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).