Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer to develop advanced capabilities for uncrewed systems supporting U.S. defense and intelligence operations. The group evaluates emerging capabilities, develops and integrates new systems, adapts existing systems for new missions, and identifies and exploits system vulnerabilities to create mission-ready capabilities for challenging operational environments. The engineer will design, develop, and integrate hardware, electronics, firmware, and software for uncrewed, robotic, and autonomous platforms. The role includes planning and conducting laboratory and field tests, validating system performance, diagnosing failures, and refining designs. The engineer will also develop autonomy capabilities such as perception, navigation, mission execution, and coordination among multiple platforms; document designs, integration procedures, and test results; communicate technical findings; and work with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate emerging technologies and address evolving operational challenges. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or robotics field, at least three years of relevant system-development experience, and the ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret clearance by the start date and ultimately a Top Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility to access classified information. The role is with APL, whose campus is in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties.
At least 3 years of experience developing uncrewed, robotic, or autonomous systems, including hands-on integration of hardware and software subsystems such as sensors, onboard computing, communications, controllers, and payloads.
Proficiency developing and debugging robotic-system software in Python and/or C++, including experience with robotic control architectures, middleware, and communication interfaces for commands, telemetry, and sensor data.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex electromechanical and software systems, including planning and executing laboratory or field tests, diagnosing failures, and implementing and validating solutions.
Demonstrated ability to independently own technical tasks, collaborate across engineering disciplines, and deliver functional prototypes or tested capabilities.
Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility to access classified information.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience designing, integrating, and testing uncrewed systems, particularly small UAV and UGV platforms.
Experience implementing robotic autonomy capabilities such as computer vision, object tracking, SLAM, odometry, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation.
Experience designing custom digital and analog circuit boards for constrained size, weight, and power (SWaP) systems.
Experience developing embedded software and firmware to manage onboard power, sensing, control, actuation, and communication functions.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and integrate hardware, electronics, firmware, and software for uncrewed, robotic, and autonomous platforms.
Plan and execute laboratory and field tests to validate performance, diagnose failures, and refine system designs.
Develop and implement autonomy capabilities, including perception, navigation, mission execution, and coordination among multiple platforms.
Document system designs, integration procedures, and test results, and communicate technical capabilities and findings to teammates, project leaders, and sponsors.
Identify and evaluate emerging robotics technologies, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and develop solutions to evolving operational challenges.