2027 Graduate – Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer - Tailored Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group is seeking engineers to help us develop, implement and field mission-tailored autonomous systems that perform sensing, decision-making, and coordinated action in complex operational environments. Our work spans perception, autonomy algorithms, platform behaviors, modeling and simulation, full stack development, and software deployment on resource-constrained systems. As a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will work closely with engineers, scientists, and program managers to develop mission-relevant autonomous systems for sponsors and end users in the defense and intelligence communities. You will contribute to the architecture, design, implementation, integration, and test of robotic and autonomous systems spanning sensing, software, communications, and hardware. You will develop and integrate capabilities including perception, planning, navigation, controls, AI/ML inference, and multi-agent autonomy on resource-constrained platforms. You will participate in system architecture trades, requirements development, interface definition, and technical design reviews throughout the system lifecycle. You will support verification, validation, and test activities, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), laboratory integration, and field experimentation. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated mission capabilities. You will apply modern engineering practices including version control, code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and continuous integration. You will present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of technical tasks and project execution.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or another related technical field.
Have academic, internship, research, or project experience developing, integrating, or testing robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other complex engineering systems.
Have experience programming in one or more languages such as Python, C++, Rust, or similar.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Hold a Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
Have experience developing robotic platforms, autonomous systems, or embedded systems for operational environments.
Have experience with ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, AirSim, or similar robotics simulation environments.
Have experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing, digital twins, or simulation-based system development.
Have experience with AI/ML, perception, planning, controls, SLAM, navigation, or multi-agent autonomy.
Have experience with systems engineering, including requirements development, interface definition, system integration, verification, or technical trade studies.
Have experience leading small technical efforts or work packages, including coordinating technical tasks across multiple disciplines.
Have demonstrated technical initiative through independent projects, undergraduate or graduate research, technical competitions, publications, or other hands-on engineering activities.
Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Work closely with engineers, scientists, and program managers to develop mission-relevant autonomous systems for sponsors and end users in the defense and intelligence communities.
Contribute to the architecture, design, implementation, integration, and test of robotic and autonomous systems spanning sensing, software, communications, and hardware.
Develop and integrate capabilities including perception, planning, navigation, controls, AI/ML inference, and multi-agent autonomy on resource-constrained platforms.
Participate in system architecture trades, requirements development, interface definition, and technical design reviews throughout the system lifecycle.
Support verification, validation, and test activities, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), laboratory integration, and field experimentation.
Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
Apply modern engineering practices including version control, code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and continuous integration.
Present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of technical tasks and project execution.