Senior Robotics Engineer for Tailored Autonomous Systems Group

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) seeks a senior engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced robotic and autonomous systems. The group develops low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) robotic platforms and autonomy solutions for challenging, dynamic environments and critical national security missions. The role provides technical leadership across multiple projects, working with sponsors, engineers, and researchers to define system architectures, guide technical execution, and transition advanced capabilities into operational use. The engineer will also help shape the group’s robotics and autonomy portfolio while contributing directly to complex mission problems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 8 years of relevant professional experience developing, integrating, testing, or fielding complex engineering systems.
Experience leading technical teams through system design, development, prototyping, integration, and testing.
Experience developing and integrating robotic systems, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other mission-critical technologies.
Experience conducting system-level trade studies, technical risk management, and performance analyses.
Strong technical communication skills and experience presenting technical information to sponsors and senior leadership.
Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar languages.
Ability to obtain an interim Top Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI clearance. Eligibility for access to classified information requires U.S. citizenship and a government security clearance investigation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Robotics, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience serving as a Technical Lead, Chief Engineer, Principal Investigator, or Project Manager on advanced technology programs.
Demonstrated experience leading systems engineering activities, including requirements development, architecture definition, integration, verification, validation, and transition.
Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies, including SysML and Digital Engineering practices.
Experience developing autonomous systems, robotic platforms, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV), maritime systems, or distributed autonomous systems.
Expertise in perception, SLAM, planning, controls, AI/ML, human-machine teaming, or multi-agent autonomy.

Responsibilities

Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through system architecture, requirements development, integration, testing, and transition activities for advanced autonomous systems.
Serve as a technical lead, chief engineer, or senior systems engineer on autonomy-focused development efforts.
Lead system architecture development, interface definition, requirements allocation, and technical baseline management across hardware, software, sensing, communications, and autonomy subsystems.
Conduct and lead technical trade studies, design reviews, risk assessments, and performance analyses to support program decisions.
Lead verification, validation, and testing, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), laboratory integration, and field experimentation.
Guide development of autonomy capabilities, including perception, planning, navigation, controls, decision-making, and multi-agent coordination.
Work directly with government sponsors, performers, and stakeholders to define technical objectives, communicate progress, and shape future program direction.
Mentor junior engineers and researchers in systems engineering, robotics, and autonomy development.
Support proposal development, strategic planning, and business development activities to expand the group’s technical portfolio.