APL’s Robert Willis, Maryland MESA director, center, receives an award from John Marburger, director of the Office of Science & Technology Policy, and Rita Colwell, National Science Foundation director.

The Applied Physics Lab (APL) is an R&D division of John Hopkins University that supports the Department of Defense, NASA and other government agencies. From the techie’s viewpoint it’s a stellar place to work. Engineers and CS pros get involved in some 400 programs, in areas like air defense, joint warfare analysis, submarine technology, space science, satellites and transportation technology.

APL began in 1942 to meet defense needs related to World War II, explains Stacy Murphy, college and employment systems manager. The military was having a problem with missile fuses, and requested the help of Johns Hopkins U. That program grew to become today’s top-level research and development laboratory.

In addition to developing new technology, APL serves as an independent evaluator for the government and often assesses the work of other defense contractors. “Since we’re a not-for-profit organization we can provide this kind of assistance with a high level of integrity,” Murphy explains.

John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab www.jhuapl.edu Headquarters: Laurel, MD Employees: 3,350 Operating Budget: $540 million Mission: A not-for-profit R&D division of Johns Hopkins University that supports the Department of Defense, NASA and other government agencies through innovative applied research, technical development and problem-solving

APL brings in nearly 300 new employees each year, 70 percent of them technical pros: engineers, scientists, analysts, software developers. Murphy says that advanced degrees are not always required. Although about half the tech staff have masters degrees and 20 percent are PhDs, a quarter of the workforce is recruited right out of college, many at the BS level.

“We share a campus with the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, which is the largest part-time engineering program in the country,” Murphy notes. “It’s really convenient for new grads hired as bachelors to go on and work on their masters.”

APL prepays 100 percent of the tuition at any accredited grad school, provides up to six hours of study leave each week and allows educational leaves of absence. It also offers compressed work schedules so employees can balance their work and home lives.

The lab recruits a diverse group of college grads through various programs. More than twenty years ago it was a major force in establishing the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science, which awards GEM fellowships. The fellowships help underrepresented minority students get MS and PhD degrees in engineering by providing financial assistance and summer internships. APL sponsors two or three GEM Fellows each year.

There’s also the APL Technology Leadership Scholars program (ATLAS) for technical students at historically black colleges and universities. Each year APL recruits up to a dozen ATLAS scholars, and many of them go on to permanent jobs at the lab.

When looking for more mature candidates, APL posts jobs on diversity-focused websites and recruits at the conferences and career fairs of SHPE, SWE, and NSBE. Lab reps also attend the Black Engineer of the Year and Women in Defense and Technology awards.

On campus, a huge antenna tracks satellites and manned space flights.

Apart from recruiting, APL promotes diversity through its diversity working group, a team of key members of the executive management team who discuss diversity issues and implement programs and policies. One of the group’s recommendations was the establishment of departmental staff development plans to promote diversity.

Each department has its own plan for enhancing diversity through recruiting and retention, promotion, succession planning and workforce development, Murphy notes. “APL has made a real commitment to creating an environment that values a diverse workforce.”

APL offers a wide range of benefits and services to its employees, including domestic partner benefits and a generous pension plan. There’s also a technical library, cafeterias, a full-service recreation office and family events. These perks, combined with super-exciting work, make a satisfying career, Murphy says.

“The turnover we do have – which last year was less than 3 percent – is largely due to retirement,” she explains. “People come to APL for a job and find a lifelong career.”

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