2026 Internship - Engineering / Science - Tailored Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

2d • $23 - $48

About The Position

Are you interested in applying and expanding your knowledge to the development of autonomous systems that operate in real-world, operationally challenging environments?
Do you have a passion for using your skills to design, build, and test mission-relevant autonomy with immediate impact?
If you are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics, and enjoy tackling complex problems, you may be a great fit for our team.
We are seeking talented individuals in any of the previously mentioned fields to help us design low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) autonomous systems to address the nation’s immediate needs within the intelligence and special operations community. As a team that develops these entire systems from end-to-end, we have a range of technical focuses that need support. These range from the hardware to the software, including fabrication, circuit design, FPGA work, embedded development, perception and decision-making algorithms
As an intern in the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group, you may:
Work with a small, interdisciplinary team to design, implement, and test software and/or hardware for autonomous systems, including simulation and real-world deployment.
Support the development of autonomy and AI/ML algorithms, including perception, navigation, and platform behaviors, through brainstorming, prototyping, implementation, and optimization.
Support testing, evaluation, and debugging of autonomy algorithms in lab, simulation, and field environments.

Requirements

• Are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Are enthusiastic about learning new technologies, algorithms, and development workflows.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Have software experience developing applications using at least one of the following: C, C++, Rust, Python.
• Have hardware design experience using at least one of the following: SolidWorks, Autodesk, Ansys, AutoCAD, or MATLAB
• Exposure to robotics, autonomy, AI/ML, or algorithm development.
• Experience with ROS, Linux-based development, simulation environments, or GPU acceleration.
• Knowledge of machine learning, perception, or decision-making algorithms.
• Interest in working on quick-reaction, mission-driven projects.

Responsibilities

• Work with a small, interdisciplinary team to design, implement, and test software and/or hardware for autonomous systems, including simulation and real-world deployment.
• Support the development of autonomy and AI/ML algorithms, including perception, navigation, and platform behaviors, through brainstorming, prototyping, implementation, and optimization.
• Support testing, evaluation, and debugging of autonomy algorithms in lab, simulation, and field environments.

Benefits

• We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern