2027 PhD Graduate - Subsea Robotics Engineer

About the role

The Maritime Robotics Group (KMM) is seeking an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join our Modeling and Control team. Our mission is to develop, integrate, test, and deploy advanced robotic capabilities that provide our nation with an advantage in autonomous maritime systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop robotics software for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and other subsea robotic systems using ROS 2.
• Design, implement, and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems.
• Develop and integrate dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomy algorithms for underwater robotic platforms.
• Create and integrate high-fidelity simulation environments and modeling tools to support software development, system integration, and mission planning.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems into robust robotic software architectures.
• Evaluate vehicle performance through simulation, laboratory testing, and field experiments, using collected data to improve system performance.
• Support integration and testing of robotic systems in laboratory, pool, and at-sea environments.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to transition software from development into operational robotic systems.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
• Experience developing software on Linux.
• Proficiency in Python and C++.
• Experience developing, implementing, or testing dynamic systems, feedback control algorithms, robotic simulation, or autonomous systems through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional experience.
• Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git-based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, or autonomy software for robotic systems.
• Experience modeling and simulating robotic or autonomous systems using Gazebo, Ignition, Stonefish, Isaac Sim, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
• Experience integrating robotic sensors such as IMUs, DVLs, sonars, cameras, pressure sensors, or manipulators.
• Experience with state estimation, system identification, trajectory generation, optimization, or motion planning.
• Experience with containerized software development, continuous integration, or modern DevSecOps workflows.
• Experience with field testing, vehicle integration, or deployment of robotic systems.
• Demonstrated initiative in developing new technical capabilities or leading engineering efforts.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.