2027 Graduate – Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer - Tailored Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s Tailored Autonomous Systems Group in Laurel, MD is seeking a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to help develop, integrate, and field mission-tailored autonomous systems for defense and intelligence missions. You will work with multidisciplinary teams across perception, planning, navigation, and hardware-software integration.

The role emphasizes modern engineering practices, system lifecycle involvement, and opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in robotics or related technical field.
• Experience developing, integrating, or testing robotics or autonomous systems.
• Proficient in Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Ability to obtain interim Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and program managers to develop mission-tailored autonomous systems.
• Architect, design, implement, integrate, and test robotic and autonomous systems across sensing, software, and hardware.
• Develop perception, planning, navigation, controls, AI/ML inference, and multi-agent autonomy on resource-constrained platforms.
• Support system lifecycle activities including requirements, interface definition, and design reviews.
• Contribute to verification, validation, and field testing using simulations, HWIL, and lab environments.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics or related technical field

Master's degree in Robotics or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

AirSim

Job description

Are you passionate about robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced mission capabilities?

Do you enjoy collaborating with multidisciplinary teams through the development, integration, and transition of complex autonomous systems?

Are you interested in shaping the future of robotics and autonomy for critical national security missions?

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group is seeking engineers to help us develop, implement and field mission-tailored autonomous systems that perform sensing, decision-making, and coordinated action in complex operational environments. Our work spans perception, autonomy algorithms, platform behaviors, modeling and simulation, full stack development, and software deployment on resource-constrained systems.

As a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will...

• 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 robotic and autonomous 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.
• Apply modern engineering practices including version control, code reviews, automated testing, documentation, and continuous integration.
• Present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of technical tasks and project execution.

Qualifications

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

• 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 academic, internship, research, or project experience developing, integrating, or testing robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other complex engineering 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.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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.

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

• 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 demonstrated technical initiative through independent projects, undergraduate or graduate research, technical competitions, publications, or other hands‑on engineering activities.
• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

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 https://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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually