Senior Search Engineer

Salary: $119000 - 328000 per year Requirements: We require a bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. We require 6+ years of experience in software engineering or application development. We need strong experience across the full software development lifecycle. We expect hands-on experience with enterprise search platforms, such as SharePoint search or comparable systems. We require a solid understanding of search fundamentals, including indexing, ranking, relevance, and metadata. We need experience with web technologies such as JavaScript, REST APIs, .NET, or similar frameworks. We expect experience supporting and resolving issues in production environments. We require the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with engineering teams. We value strong problem-solving abilities and clear communication skills. We require the ability to obtain a Secret-level security clearance, including eligibility for a government background investigation and U.S. citizenship. Preferred qualifications include experience with Microsoft Search or hybrid search architectures. Preferred qualifications include exposure to modern search platforms such as Elasticsearch, Solr, or similar tools. Preferred qualifications include proven success improving search relevance and tuning ranking models in live systems. Preferred qualifications include experience with metadata strategy, taxonomy design, and information architecture. Preferred qualifications include experience modernizing or stabilizing legacy platforms. Preferred qualifications include work in highly governed, secure, or compliance-driven environments. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with emerging search approaches, such as semantic or vector-based search. Responsibilities: We design, develop, and continuously improve enterprise search solutions across multiple platforms. We lead the technical architecture of search systems, balancing strategic direction with practical delivery. We configure, administer, and fine-tune enterprise search platforms, including SharePoint search. We enhance search relevance, ranking, and the end-user experience through iterative analysis and optimization. We define and implement metadata frameworks, taxonomies, and managed properties. We contribute as a hands-on technical expert while helping shape standards and best practices for search engineering. Technologies: ElasticSearch Support JavaScript REST Security SharePoint Solr Web ASP.NET HTTP LESS More: We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and we apply world-class expertise to defense, security, space, and science challenges. We foster a welcoming, collaborative culture where you can bring your authentic self to work, grow professionally, and build strong connections with talented teammates. We support creativity and bold ideas, and we offer generous benefits including education assistance, strong retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package for eligible staff that includes retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, education support, and training and development. The salary range for this role is $105,000 to $290,000 annually, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. last updated 28 week of 2026