2027 Graduate - Autonomous Systems Mechanical Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

5d

About The Position

As an Autonomous Systems Mechanical Engineer in the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, you will contribute to the rapid development and fielding of autonomous sensor solutions for government sponsors. You will work in multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop ruggedized custom sensor systems from concept definition through fielding, analyze system performance through modeling and simulation, and conduct laboratory and field testing to verify requirements. The role also involves identifying, specifying, and integrating commercial, government, and custom parts, and documenting and presenting designs, analyses, and test results to team members, leadership, and sponsors.

The role requires working across several projects and collaborating with teammates of different experience levels and backgrounds. It includes work in classified laboratories and travel for field testing, estimated at approximately 15% of your time. Candidates must be able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by their start date and ultimately obtain a Secret clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

APL describes its workplace as a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that supports personal and technical growth, creativity, and collaboration. The position is associated with APL's Baltimore-Washington metro area campus. Eligible staff receive a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Additional compensation may include a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary performance payments.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Relevant experience in the design of embedded systems, autonomous vehicles, or related defense technology.
• Experience in concept generation, analysis, design, prototyping, and testing.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to multitask across several projects and work independently in small teams while meeting quick turnaround demands.
• Willingness to work in classified laboratories and travel for field testing, approximately 15% of the time.
• Ability to interact effectively with team members of different experience levels and backgrounds, including leadership of teams and projects.
• Ability to work with vendors of commercial off-the-shelf equipment to meet demanding delivery schedules.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.

Nice To Haves

• Applied knowledge of advanced prototyping and production techniques in the field.
• Demonstrated technical or project management leadership.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop ruggedized custom sensor systems from concept definition through fielding as part of engineering teams.
• Analyze system performance through modeling and simulation to support design.
• Conduct laboratory and field testing to verify requirements.
• Specify, identify, and integrate commercial, government, and custom parts for rapid system development.
• Document and present detailed designs, analyses, and test results to team members, leadership, and sponsors.
• Work with vendors of commercial off-the-shelf equipment to meet demanding delivery schedules.
• Work independently in small teams and across several projects while meeting quick turnaround demands.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible staff, including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.
• Additional compensation may include a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
• APL describes a healthy work/life balance and opportunities for personal and technical development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level