Robotics Engineer for Tailored Autonomous Systems

About the role

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) is seeking a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to help develop, implement, and field mission-tailored autonomous systems for critical national security missions.

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.

Qualifications

• 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 at least 2 years of professional experience developing, integrating, testing, or fielding robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other complex engineering systems.
• Have experience contributing to the design, development, integration, and test of hardware and/or software 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.
• Be able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 experience supporting proposal development or IRAD activities.
• Have experience working directly with DoD, Intelligence Community, or other government sponsors.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

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 diversity and foster a culture of inclusion where everyone feels valued and respected. APL offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.