Senior Robotics Engineer for Tailored Autonomous Systems Group

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) is seeking a Senior Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced robotic and autonomous systems. Our team develops low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) robotic platforms and autonomy solutions that operate in challenging and dynamic environments. As a senior member of the team, you will serve as a technical leader across multiple projects, working closely with sponsors, engineers, and researchers to define system architectures, guide technical execution, and transition advanced capabilities into operational use. You will help shape the strategic direction of QPJ’s robotics and autonomy portfolio while contributing directly to the nation's most challenging 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 test activities.
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.
Experience programming in Python, C++, or similar languages.
Able to obtain an interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

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, test, 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 critical program decisions.
Lead verification, validation, and test activities, 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.
Interface 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 that expand group’s technical portfolio.