Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Reviews

Pros

Completely flexible work schedule as long as you get your projects done (this might vary depending on what group you are in). Highly dynamic, lots of super interesting projects going on across the lab, with the majority of them being interdisciplinary. So many (8000+) interesting people as well, not to mention awesome maker spaces (and a new building just completed for the R&D group). Access to so many resources, travel the country, highly competitive base pay with great benefits and absolutely insane retirement match (10.5% of base salary after only one year of service!), they'll pay for your bachelors, masters AND PhD with a long list of schools and programs to choose from, they have clubs, activities, etc. etc. The lab director has huge approval. People unanimously love APL and it really shows. There have been many times I've been working on something with a few other people and the conversation turns to "all of the reasons we love APL." It's truly an honor to work here.

Cons

Parking can be tough. It's practically a meme over here (although there is construction for expanding it as I write this). It can be strange getting used to the pace of projects changing at first but you learn quick.

Pros

APL work can be technically challenging and impactful to our nation's national security. Covid has resulted in much more staff flexibility than before. There are 7,500 jobs so if you get bored with your current work, it is easy to transfer into a better opportunity. Locationsl is good and you can live nearby without dealing with excruciating traffic problems in nearby DC and Baltimore.

Cons

The lab culture has changed dramatically under it's current leadership. Director has fully embraced wokeness. Execution and morale during the pandemic has dropped significantly yet management seems to spend it's time sending politically charged emails to the staff and counting people based on gender identity and skin color. I think it's time to find a new employer

Pros

Competitive compensation for the best performers, opportunities for newer staff to make important contributions, fully-covered tuition and leave for PhD candidates, and opportunities to create your own work through the IRAD program. There are a few key centers of excellence (Intelligent Systems Center, Space, etc.) that are worth working for if you can get in.

Cons

No hiring strategy; lots of bad apples get hired and wreak havoc on top projects. Certain people at the Branch and Group leadership level have too much power and will attempt to take control of projects from technical staff. These senior managers often push their own pet projects rather than the technology and practices the rest of the world uses. While work-life balance is generally good, it can be difficult to focus at work as you may find yourself working on a half-dozen unrelated projects at once, each with its own team and project manager. This becomes unbearable if the project or program managers like to micromanage, which they often do. The skills you develop at APL are not always transferrable to industry. It can be difficult to find a new job as APL's name and history suggest you're working as a professor or low-level researcher. At conferences you can't network with anyone as your entire conversation turns into explaining what APL is.

Pros

APL is great for PhDs and Engineers and takes great care of those individuals

Cons

If you are a business professional, you will likely find it hard to gain trust and promotions in the organization because more thought and consideration is given to the STEM employees.

Pros

Location, benefits, flexible hours, job security

Cons

This place has a lot of racism. If you are Black, forget about getting promoted or getting hired for management. Moving up is only for Whites apparently.