2027 Internship, Winter - Maritime Modeling & Control - Maritime Robotics

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Chart Your Course in Autonomous Maritime Engineering this Winter, January 2027 Fuel your curiosity and make an impact beneath the surface with the Maritime Robotics Group at APL. You’ll apply your engineering expertise to uncover the physics behind complex maritime systems and help shape the next generation of autonomous naval technologies. We’re looking for a curiosity-driven, analytical student to join our 8-week Winter Internship and support our Modeling & Simulation (M&S) efforts, with experience or coursework in hydrodynamics, marine dynamics, or maritime control. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience developing and testing models that enhance the performance of cutting-edge maritime vehicles and systems, while contributing to critical national missions in the maritime domain. The Maritime Robotics Group advances the nation’s advantage in autonomous systems by developing technologies for unmanned maritime vehicles, providing world-class analysis and design solutions in areas including: Maritime dynamics Development of novel vessels Assessment of existing vessels Modeling & Simulation Model-Based Control Our projects span a wide range of maritime systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), submarines, boats, ships, and more. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and promoting innovation, and as an intern you will have the opportunity to expand your expertise across these technologies. As a member of our team, you will be able to: Compute maritime vessel dynamics, for surface and submerged craft using both custom modeling and simulation and tools such as OrcaFlex Execute clean-sheet design of innovative new systems including outer mold line shaping, control surface sizing, and propulsion design Predict maneuvering performance in all six degrees of freedom for both surface and submerged vessels at various levels of fidelity – from first principles to CFD Use test and sea trial data to build or augment existing maritime dynamics models using systems identification approaches Generate seakeeping predictions using potential flow solvers such as WAMIT, OrcaWave, and others Develop control algorithms for maritime vehicles for maneuvering, hovering, station keeping, and other operations

Requirements

Able to commence work for an 8-week internship beginning in January 2027
Are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or similar
Have classroom experience in one or more of our core skills: dynamics, maneuvering, seakeeping, and maritime control
Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding using Matlab/Simulink, Python, and/or C++
Are able to obtain a Secret security 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.
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

Nice To Haves

Have experience developing and analyzing dynamics and control of maritime systems.
Have experience with multiphase unsteady CFD analysis using tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, and/or OpenFOAM.
Have experience simulating coupled system-of-systems dynamics using OrcaFlex.

Responsibilities

Compute maritime vessel dynamics, for surface and submerged craft using both custom modeling and simulation and tools such as OrcaFlex
Execute clean-sheet design of innovative new systems including outer mold line shaping, control surface sizing, and propulsion design
Predict maneuvering performance in all six degrees of freedom for both surface and submerged vessels at various levels of fidelity – from first principles to CFD
Use test and sea trial data to build or augment existing maritime dynamics models using systems identification approaches
Generate seakeeping predictions using potential flow solvers such as WAMIT, OrcaWave, and others
Develop control algorithms for maritime vehicles for maneuvering, hovering, station keeping, and other operations