Hardware in the Loop Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

14h

About The Position

Do you love to work on hardware in the loop testing?
Do you like contributing to projects where you get hands on with hardware to conduct analysis and solve critical challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an engineer or scientist that is capable of leading both the design and construction of a new hardware in the loop (HWIL or HIL) system as well as adding capability and expanding existing HWILs to test weapon systems critical to our nation's defense. If you have previous experience working with a hardware in the loop system and a passion to lead a team of smart engineers, you'll be a great fit for this position. You'll be joining a team that designs, builds and runs hardware in the loop (HWIL) testing around a weapon systems flight computers and other components, including datalinks, GPS receivers, and IMUs.
As a Hardware in the Loop Engineer...
Your primary responsibility will be leading a team of engineers to design, build, and run real-time, open-loop and closed-loop, hardware in the loop capabilities around unique weapons systems.
You will work with the government to design tests based on their needs and will lead execution of test and analysis activities.
Work with software and hardware designers to develop and implement the HWIL capability, taking care to understand requirements the specific HWIL objectives levy on the architecture.
Work with embedded hardware systems, understanding the electrical interfaces, physical interfaces, and communications protocols
Present status and results to project, program, and external sponsors
Mentor staff on HWIL designs, break up tasks as needed in chunks to fit the levels of individual staff members.
You will document code, implement CI/CD practices, setup network systems together, and communicate your needs across the team.

Requirements

• Possess a BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or similar field.
• Have 5+ years of experience working with hardware in the loop test beds.
• Are skilled in software programming, understanding electrical signals and how embedded systems communicate.
• Capable of leading a team of 2-6 (or more) engineers to design and build out a Hardware in the Loop testbed.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top 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 significant experience designing and building hardware in the loop test beds.
• Have experience designing high fidelity (6-dof) software simulations for flying platforms (missiles, planes, projectiles).
• Have experience with object-oriented programming languages (Java, C, C++) and scripting languages (Python or MATLAB).
• Are familiar with one or more of: CUDA, FPGA, software defined radio (SDR) or RFSoC, networking protocols, RF systems.
• Have experience with test equipment including spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes
• Have experience with both Windows and Linux operating systems

Responsibilities

• Leading a team of engineers to design, build, and run real-time, open-loop and closed-loop, hardware in the loop capabilities around unique weapons systems.
• Work with the government to design tests based on their needs and will lead execution of test and analysis activities.
• Work with software and hardware designers to develop and implement the HWIL capability, taking care to understand requirements the specific HWIL objectives levy on the architecture.
• Work with embedded hardware systems, understanding the electrical interfaces, physical interfaces, and communications protocols
• Present status and results to project, program, and external sponsors
• Mentor staff on HWIL designs, break up tasks as needed in chunks to fit the levels of individual staff members.
• Document code, implement CI/CD practices, setup network systems together, and communicate your needs across the team.

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.
• At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas.
• 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