Autonomy Test and Evaluation Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

19h

About The Position

Do you enjoy building advanced simulation and analysis tools to evaluate sophisticated autonomous systems?
Are you interested in shaping how the Navy tests, validates, and deploys autonomous maritime platforms?
If so, we would love for you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a motivated Autonomy Test and Evaluation Tools Software Engineer to join the Ocean Systems and Engineering Group. In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative test and evaluation software solutions. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in an agile, rapid prototyping environment to build the next generation of simulation-based test tools for autonomous platforms.
As an Autonomy Test and Evaluation Tools Software Engineer, you will...

Requirements

• Have a BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field such as Robotics, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Have 5+ years of professional experience in software development (Python and/or C++).
• Have experience with full-lifecycle software development.
• Have experience or interest in autonomous systems, robotics, simulation, or test and evaluation.
• Have experience developing or working with simulation environments or modeling and simulation (M&S) tools.
• Bring strong organizational and planning skills, with a track record of contributing effectively in team environments.
• Communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Are able to obtain an interim Secret-level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to Top Secret classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Have an MS or PhD in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Have experience developing or evaluating autonomous systems, including decision-making, planning, or behavior-based autonomy.
• Have experience in simulation-based test and evaluation or M&S environments.
• Have experience with verification and validation (V&V) of complex or safety-critical systems.
• Have experience developing machine learning approaches such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or online/offline learning.
• Have experience integrating autonomy software into simulation frameworks (e.g., ROS, Gazebo, Unity, or similar environments).
• Have supported or led field testing of autonomous systems.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end software tools for simulation-based test and evaluation (T&E) of autonomous systems, including requirements definition, architecture, implementation, and validation.
• Design and build high-fidelity simulation environments to evaluate autonomy algorithms under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
• Develop approaches to verify and validate decision-making systems, including edge cases and emergent behaviors.
• Apply data science, statistics, and machine learning techniques to analyze system performance and develop new evaluation methods.
• Plan and support field experiments, integrating real-world data with simulation-based analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in an agile, rapid prototyping environment.

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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees