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Life at APL

A Culture of Community


We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, but what makes us truly unique is the culture surrounding the work we do. We offer a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your whole self to work, continue to grow, and build lifelong bonds with inspiring teammates.


Aerial view of APL's Central Green

An Inspiring and Rewarding Environment

We offer you a career experience complete with food trucks on the Central Green, an on-site fitness center, the Central Spark innovation center where you can pursue ideas outside of your sponsors’ projects, and more. Our 450-acre campus, located close to Washington, DC, also provides easy access to the best of what the East Coast has to offer. Within just a couple hours’ drive, you can find gorgeous hikes in the mountains, beautiful beaches, and thriving urban nightlife.


View Our Campus Map

Where Continuous Growth Is a Way of Life


Industry-Leading Education Assistance

24 credit hours per academic year at no cost to you.

Opportunities for External Development

Do you aspire to publish papers, attend conferences, and build your professional community? We can help you with that.

On-Site Learning Opportunities

We also have a partnership with JHU’s Whiting School of Engineering.

Promoting Authentic Perspectives and Collaboration


Our diversity is one of our greatest assets, and we strive to foster an innovative environment driven by a spirit of inclusion and authenticity. To that end, we are committed to a culture that embraces open communication, lifts up different perspectives, and cultivates enterprise-wide collaboration.


Bringing Our Communities Together


Our Affinity Groups have an open membership policy where all are welcome regardless of background. We believe this creates a workplace where community voices are lifted up and allies feel empowered to offer their support. We have a wide range of Affinity Groups for you to join.

Learn more about our Affinity Groups


Advocates for Diverse Abilities Club/All About Autism Club

African American Culture Club

Allies in the Workplace

APL Veterans’ Club

APL Women in Technology

Asian American Heritage Club

Hispanic or LatinX APLers

Young Professionals Network

Children interacting with a science exhibit at a Girl Power Event

Our Mission Extends to the Communities Where We Live and Work

A spirit of service permeates everything we do. At APL, many of us donate our time to and even serve on the boards of community service organizations. When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with existing community service activities or start your own based on the causes that are most important to you. From laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, to participating in Toys for Tots, to contributing to disaster relief collection efforts, to taking part in American Red Cross blood drives, our mission extends well beyond national security.

Children working on a craft project in an APL lab during Family Day

Get Involved with Our STEM Office

Our STEM Program Management Office is dedicated to helping students and teachers develop their literacy in STEM. Our family of STEM programs—Maryland MESA, Girl Power, STEM Academy, and ASPIRE—offers an integrated model for students in grades 3–12 to learn what being a STEM professional truly means. If you’re passionate about helping students in their educational journey, volunteering is a great way to get involved and make a difference.


Visit the APL STEM Website

Join One of Our Clubs


We have more than 30 employee-run clubs that span a wide range of interests, from fitness and sports to cultural studies, religion, and the arts. Our sports facilities will also be available to you, including softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts. Some of our most popular clubs are:


Cycling Club

Drama Club

Astronomy Club

Softball League

Financial Literacy Club

APL Fitness Classes

APL staff members enjoying an outdoor photo booth activity at Innovation Fest

Awards & Recognition

We were named to the inaugural Fast Company “Best Workplaces for Innovators” list in 2020. We also have team members who have received prestigious awards for a wide range of accomplishments, including NASA’s Outstanding Public Leadership Medal and the Rising Star Award at the Women of Color STEM Conference. When you join us, you can be sure you’ll be in good company.

Apply Today! Explore Opportunities by

Area of Interest

Engineering Science Cyber & Information Assurance Research & Analysis Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Data Science Business & Operations

Career Level

Experienced Professionals Students & New Graduates Doctoral-Level Professionals