2026 PhD Graduate - Robotic/Autonomous Systems Engineer - Maritime Robotics Group

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a PhD Graduate in Robotic/Autonomous Systems Engineering within the Maritime Robotics Group. The position involves developing solutions to challenging problems in robotics, working in a collaborative environment with engineers of varied backgrounds. The team works across a broad range of disciplines including machine perception, autonomous decision-making, data fusion, control systems, and mechanical design with applications across Uncrewed Air, Sea Surface, and Underwater vehicles. The primary responsibility will be to prototype next-generation robotic solutions to help address critical challenges facing our Navy. The role involves working on highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to solve problems that span both software and hardware, and being part of a dedicated team of engineers with deep experience in rapidly prototyping solutions from conception through field testing.

Requirements

PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Skilled in software or mechanical design methodologies and techniques that can be applied to robotic systems.
Passion for learning and a willingness to pick up and apply new skills.
Ability to work and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance to start and a final Secret Clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Research, classroom, or professional experience working closely with robotic systems, autonomous systems, or machine perception (including machine learning) algorithms.
Experience developing in a modern, collaborative software or hardware development environment.
Possess a current active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Prototype next-generation robotic solutions to help address critical challenges facing our Navy.
Work on highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to solve problems that span both software and hardware.
Rapidly prototype solutions from conception through field testing.