2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simu[...]

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 102,500 - 227,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading applied physics lab is seeking a 2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer to innovate in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms. This role involves hands-on experience in developing models, testing software within embedded systems, and collaborating with a team of engineers. Ideal candidates hold a relevant PhD and possess skills in MATLAB, C++, and sensors. This position offers a dynamic environment to tackle complex challenges in autonomous systems.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in a relevant field.
• Proven internship experience or extensive project work in related areas.
• Skilled in coding practices.

Responsibilities

• Pioneer design and research in control algorithms.
• Develop models for complex physics and sensors.
• Test software capabilities in embedded systems.

Skills

Problem solving

Knowledge of guidance systems

Programming in MATLAB/Simulink

Knowledge of sensors

Experience with embedded systems

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Software Engineering

PhD in Physics

PhD in Mathematics

PhD in Computer Science

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C++

Python

Job description

2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulation

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2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulation

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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory provided pay range

This range is provided by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$102,500.00/yr - $227,500.00/yr

Description

Do you enjoy problem solving and applying your skills across a broad range of applications and research?

Do you have a passion for the design, analysis, simulation, and prototyping of innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?

If So, The Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), And Seekers Group Is Looking For PhDs Who Are Pursuing Degrees In Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Or Computer Science. Our Group's Goal Is To Ensure The United States Has a Distinct Technology Advantage In Autonomous Systems By Leading Next Generation Development And Prototyping. We Do This By Providing World Class Design Solutions With a Focus On

• Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
• Radio Frequency (RF) or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
• Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
• Hardware/Software Development and Test
• Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization
  
  

We are seeking creative problem solvers with capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and supporting a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.

As a PhD member on our team you will...

• Have the opportunity to pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
• Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics and sensors.
• Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
• Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
• Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.
  
  

Our Team Works On a Set Of Subject Areas That Feed Into The Design Of An Autonomous System. The Following Sections Provide Some More Background On Those Unique Areas

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

• We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
• Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems
• Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
• Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization
  
  

Radio Frequency and Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor

• We develop sensor and seeker solutions for advanced autonomous systems and weapons.
• Types of work: RF and EO/IR system design, sensor and seeker performance analysis and M&S, and receiver signal processing
• Degrees: Electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science/engineering
• Skills: Electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding
  
  

Modeling and Simulation

• We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
• Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
• Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
• Skills: Dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization
  
  

Hardware/Software Development and Testing

• We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
• Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems
• Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
• Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software
  
  

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the internship if you...

• Are pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Proven internship experience or possess extensive classroom project work in a subject matter in any of the following areas: guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization; electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding; dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization; hardware testing, embedded systems, sensor testing artificial intelligence and software development.
• Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C++, Python, or other languages
• Have a curiosity and appetite for exploring and solving hard problems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
  
  

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.
  
  

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, 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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$102,500 Annually

Maximum Rate

$227,500 Annually

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Civil Engineering

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