2026 PhD Graduate - Intelligent Autonomous Systems and Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

50d

About The Position

Are you passionate about innovating new technologies to influence and shape our Nation's future security and preeminence? Are you excited about working on multi-disciplinary teams to innovate the state-of-the-art in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, software design, embedded systems, virtual reality, simulation and/or uncrewed air platforms? Are you interested in applying your skills to conceive, design, prototype and test new capabilities in intelligent autonomous systems that will save US warfighter's lives? If you are graduating with a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related area and you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we are looking for someone like you to join our team in the Intelligent Combat Platforms Group at APL! All candidates with a strong technical background, high initiative, and the ability to think creatively are encouraged to apply with or without AI experience. Who are we? We are the Intelligent Combat Platforms Group and our mission focus is ensure our Nation maintains the operational advantage on the future battlefield through foundational advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming and novel aircraft design and testing. Our objective is to advance the technologies needed to enable machine precision decisions at machine speeds for future unpiloted systems and warfighters aided with intelligent assistants. Whether it is developing the intelligence that drives AI wingmen behaviors, sophisticated real-time collaboration architectures, or novel AI assessment tools and software, the Intelligent Combat Platforms Group is at the forefront. Three of our monumental and impactful projects have been DARPA Air Combat Evolution, AFRL Golden Horde, and Air Force SkyBorg. As a member of our team, possible roles include… Work on collaborative teams in one or more areas: intelligent control and decision-making, human-machine collaboration, networked and teamed systems, software/hardware design, multi-faceted algorithm development, complex battlefield management, and next generation autonomous air platforms. Prototype and simulate AI systems by writing code, developing software (simulation and visualization), creating algorithms, interfacing software/hardware, and supporting real-time demonstrations of autonomy in live, virtual, and simulation test environments. Collaborate with the nation's leading experts in AI and work with an outstanding team of engineers, scientists, and software developers to deliver powerful capabilities to the warfighter.

Requirements

Have a PhD Degree in a STEM area.
Are skilled in C++ and/or Python and have knowledge of software design patterns.
Have experience with applications for physical systems such as mechanical, aerospace, or robotics (e.g. Unmanned Aerial Systems).
Have classroom or professional experience with artificial intelligence and autonomy algorithms.
Are able to obtain an interim Secret security clearance by your start date, and ultimately a Top Secret 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 classroom or professional experience working with any of our core skills: autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, deep/reinforcement/machine learning, robotics, dynamics and controls, flight test and evaluation, modeling and simulation, avionics and sensors, aerodynamics, air combat platform design, data science, and statistical analysis.
Have experience in military/department operations and acquisition processes.
Have experience developing in a modern software development environment that includes automated testing, continuous integration and deployment, and "DevSecOps" environments.
Have proficiency in additional programming languages (C, C#, Java, MATLAB), cloud computing, and configuration management.
Have completed any certifications or internships.

Responsibilities

Work on collaborative teams in one or more areas: intelligent control and decision-making, human-machine collaboration, networked and teamed systems, software/hardware design, multi-faceted algorithm development, complex battlefield management, and next generation autonomous air platforms.
Prototype and simulate AI systems by writing code, developing software (simulation and visualization), creating algorithms, interfacing software/hardware, and supporting real-time demonstrations of autonomy in live, virtual, and simulation test environments.
Collaborate with the nation's leading experts in AI and work with an outstanding team of engineers, scientists, and software developers to deliver powerful capabilities to the warfighter.