Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Reviews

Pros

- Extremely innovative/exciting work across many different areas (defense, space, healthcare, robotics and autonomy, AI, materials science, etc.) that has a positive impact on the world.
- APL is a research center, so the majority of the work you'll be doing hasn't been done before. You will be challenged to think critically, which will help you grow both personally and professionally.
- Incredibly smart and passionate people allow for a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
- You are encouraged to work on the things you want to work on, and your supervisor would be happy to work with you in finding tasking that is a better match for your interests if you're unhappy in your current role.
- Many opportunities to earn internal funding if you have an innovative/relevant project you want to work on.
- Continuous learning is highly encouraged and supported. You can earn a graduate degree (in a field relevant to your role) at no cost to you. There are also many training and development (both technical and non-technical) courses regularly offered at the lab.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Great benefits, including the best retirement plan company match I've seen.
- Many clubs/organizations to become a part of as well as organized social events throughout the year.
- Overall: There are so many great opportunities at APL, so you will get out of it what you put into it.

Advice to Management

APL is heading in a great direction to back its storied history. Continue to promote innovation in all ways possible!

Pros

Exciting projects, passionate and incredibly intelligent employees, and continued education

Pros

Although there are only several dozen scientists among the >6000 employees, JHU/APL provides a great environment for those looking to have a non-traditional career path. The project contributions made by scientists are very applied - often transitioned to end users in the field for immediate operational deployment. While staff in each department/sector may have different experiences, most of my interactions with multi-disciplinary teams have been very positive. Good opportunities for career growth exist, but require some individual effort and creative approaches. Overall, JHU/APL offers a rewarding scientific career for those more interested in meaningful contributions than "fame and fortune."

Advice to Management

Continue to foster good communication and interactions among staff.

Pros

Matrix based organization so it's easy to transition to different work to explore new fields.

Pros

APL offers excellent benefit and flexibility in work/life balance. It allows for parttime work (if you work for more than 50% you get medical and other benefits), and provides for unpaid leaves (even for traveling around the world). As a part of the Johns Hopkins University, staffs have access to the JHU library with its collections and online resources.

For technical staff, APL is a low-pressure workplace with a rather flat compensation structure. It maintains a collegial work environment. Harsh criticisms are very rare, at least among the rank-and-file staff members.

At APL, there is no pressure to "climb the ladder." It is perfectly OK to work there for 20, 30 years without any promotion. It is also quite common for low-level managers to step down and go back to technical work. There is no "cut-throat" politics for most of the staffs.

APL pays much attention to diversity (now termed as inclusion). Although it is still a white-dominating community, minority and women staffs get extra help in recruiting and career advancement. The management is very sensitive to any issue related to discrimination, sexual harassment, or hostile work environment. In addition to the line management and EEO, APL provides an ombudsman service that can guide employees to navigate the system and process.

Advice to Management

APL has a great heritage and occupies a unique place in the defense industry. However, without proper investment in human capital, it is on its way to becoming just another contractor.

Pros

Good PTO and sick time, benefits are pretty good, as the Johns Hopkins hospital doctors are all in network for the most part. Very smart people working here, and free degree from JHU. Flexible schedules.

Pros

I don't think I can ever leave the Lab; I can't imagine another place that I could work that would be better in any way compared to APL. There are so many opportunities for growth at the Lab and with the technical work, I am constantly challenged with hard problems. Because the Lab is so large, there is a lot of movement internally; so let's say you feel like your management was stagnant and there wasn't any upwards growth, you can apply to another position in another area of the Lab and get new opportunities. I've met several people at the Lab who decided to leave because of wanting higher salaries, but were gone for less than a year and wanted to come back, I know several parents that work at the lab, and the work life balance is unparalleled. AND THE BENEFITS. I didn't realize how amazing they were until I was telling my girlfriend about them and she compared my benefits to all 10+ benefit packages other places she's worked had. As an out lesbian, the fact that I can be out and not have it affect my work relationships is something I never expected or dreamed of. There is an LGBTQ+ group at the Lab who gets money to host many events during Pride month, which are all very inclusive. The director of the Lab even comes and supports the Pride events, during and outside of work hours! Besides events, there are other things the Lab does that makes it a place that everyone feels comfortable working at, including non-binary and transgender staff; for example there is a policy to gender neutral bathrooms in all renovations and new buildings on campus. As a default, the technical work is very interesting and it has direct impact on our national defense and aiding our allies. Overall APL is an incredible place to work and I am so lucky to have found my dream job.

Pros

APL is a wonderful place to work. They care about their employees and emphasize a work-life balance that isn't just lip service. The benefits are some of the best I have heard of and there is a lot of opportunity for growth if you work hard and make a good name for yourself.

Advice to Management

I'm pleased with management. I hope they continue to reward hard workers.

Pros

Benefits are very good. Vacation and sick leave, retirement plans, and health plans are are at or above the standards of similar employers in the area. Good working atmosphere, non-profit academic facility ensures that profits are reinvested in tool and employees, not shareholders.

Pros

Did an internship in college, loved it so much I have worked here for 4 years and counting. Benefits and work-life balance are extraordinary. My co-workers are the best most inspiring and intelligent people. I would highly recommend working here for all experience levels. The work is challenging, interesting and fun. I get to work on amazing space missions, which has been my dream since I was a kid. It is in the APL culture to be innovative and professional.