Autonomy and Intelligent Systems Development Team Leader

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you interested in building autonomous and intelligent software and systems to solve sophisticated challenges for National Security Space and NASA missions and systems? Do you envision a future where your contributions enable artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) on spacecraft? Do you have a passion for mentoring technical staff and leading collaborative teams? Are you passionate about growing new technologies as they relate to autonomous and intelligent systems? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a Team Leader (Section Supervisor) in the Embedded Applications (SIE) group to mentor and lead a team of software engineers working on both civil (NASA) and National Security Space missions. We are looking for a motivated, creative, and team-focused AI/ML and autonomy software engineer to supervise a growing section of technical staff members. You will work with and mentor staff who are designing and developing expert systems for autonomous spacecraft, be a member of the group leadership team, and provide technical expertise in the design and development of autonomous and intelligent systems. In addition to Section Supervisor responsibilities, you will also be a leading and visionary technical contributor as a member of the Embedded Applications group focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning into the design and development of embedded flight software.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field.
Have 5+ years of experience in algorithm development and analysis, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and controls software engineering.
Possess strong analytical problem-solving skills and leadership characteristics, including the ability to visualize, select, and communicate system level solutions and technical direction.
Possess expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms and methods including neural networks, symbolic regression, and ensemble methods.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and follow-through.
Exhibit the ability to lead and cultivate welcoming teams.
Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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

Hold an M.S. or PhD. in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
Have experience in spacecraft flight or ground software development.
Have experience developing autonomous or artificially intelligent systems for flight software.
Have experience in writing internal and external proposals in the area of autonomous systems.
Demonstrate experience leading teams in development or research projects.
Demonstrate success executing awarded proposals.
Have published articles in autonomous systems or artificial intelligence.
Demonstrate experience mentoring staff or interns.

Responsibilities

Contribute to group technical strategy and management function - to include participation in hiring panels and assuring compliance with institutional policies.
Serve as an AI/ML and expert systems domain authority and project technical leader for the team.
Work closely with members of the section and group to support research, development and adaptation of AI/ML algorithms to build expert systems for autonomous spacecraft in the context of embedded systems.
Work with technical experts across the Laboratory to research, design, develop, and advance autonomous and intelligent technologies and capabilities including fault protection, tasking, space networking, cyber-related algorithms, and system health monitoring.
Review software processes and procedures, perform software quality reviews, proposal reviews, and overview of publications and presentations by staff.
Define, design, and develop AI/ML and automated expert systems in the context of an embedded system.
Recruit, train, and retain skilled and motivated software engineers while recognizing and promoting everyday staff achievements.
Mentor, coach, encourage, and empower staff in a career development culture of continuous improvement.
Cultivate an environment that promotes creativity, dedication to quality, and engagement.
Share knowledge by collaborating with and mentoring APL staff, engaging with spacecraft engineers and participate in working groups.