Robotics Engineer for Tailored Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) is seeking a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 autonomy 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 present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of technical tasks and project execution. You will contribute to proposal development, internal research initiatives (IRAD), and technology transition efforts that expand the group's autonomy portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or another related technical field.
At least 2 years of professional experience developing, integrating, testing, or fielding robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other complex engineering systems.
Experience contributing to the design, development, integration, and test of hardware and/or software systems.
Experience programming in one or more languages such as Python, C++, Rust, or similar.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
Experience developing robotic platforms, autonomous systems, or embedded systems for operational environments.
Experience with ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, AirSim, or similar robotics simulation environments.
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing, digital twins, or simulation-based system development.
Experience with AI/ML, perception, planning, controls, SLAM, navigation, or multi-agent autonomy.
Experience with systems engineering, including requirements development, interface definition, system integration, verification, or technical trade studies.
Experience leading small technical efforts or work packages, including coordinating technical tasks across multiple disciplines.
Experience supporting proposal development or IRAD activities.
Experience working directly with DoD, Intelligence Community, or other government sponsors.
Hold an active 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 autonomy 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.
Present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of technical tasks and project execution.
Contribute to proposal development, internal research initiatives (IRAD), and technology transition efforts that expand the group's autonomy portfolio.