2026 New Graduate - Autonomous Systems Mechanical Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Are you a hands-on engineer that enjoys rapidly developing and fielding groundbreaking solutions for unattended sensors? In the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's (APL) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, we use applied engineering to field tomorrow's groundbreaking solutions for a varied set of government organizations. Dedicated, enthusiastic, and self-driven multidisciplinary staff work side-by-side in the lab and in the field to build solutions to critically important challenges. The people who work here embrace challenges, adapt to dynamic changing environments, and are continually looking to advance their technical and leadership skills. We employ the groundbreaking research done at APL to field mission ready systems. Join us at APL, a national leader in scientific research and development, and an employer that prioritizes innovation, impact, and personal development! We are seeking Mechanical Design Engineers to apply technical expertise with a broad range of skills to contribute to the rapid development and fielding of autonomous sensor solutions in some of the most challenging environments around the globe to help our sponsors complete their mission!

Requirements

Have a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering
Have relevant experience in the design of embedded systems or autonomous vehicles or related defense technology
Have experience in concept generation, analysis, design, prototyping and testing
Have demonstrated an ability and willingness to multi-task across several projects and work independently in small teams while meeting quick turnaround demands
Are willing to work in classified laboratories and can travel to conduct field testing (approximately 15% of your time)
Interact effectively with team members of different experience levels and backgrounds, including leadership of teams and projects
Work with vendors of COTS equipment to meet demanding delivery schedules
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 a M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering
Have applied knowledge of advanced prototyping and production techniques in your field
Have demonstrated technical or project management leadership
Possess an active DoD Secret clearance

Responsibilities

Work in engineering teams to develop ruggedized custom sensor systems from concept definition through fielding
Analyze performance of systems through modeling and simulation in support of design
Conduct laboratory and field testing to verify requirements are met
Specify, identify, and integrate commercial, government and custom parts for the rapid development of systems
Document and present detailed designs, analyses and test results to team members, leadership and sponsors