2027 Internship, Winter - Maritime Modeling & Control - Maritime Robotics

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s Maritime Robotics Group invites applications for an 8-week Winter Internship starting January 2027. You will assist Modeling & Simulation efforts, work with hydrodynamics, marine dynamics, and maritime control, and help develop models for autonomous naval systems across AUVs, ROVs, USVs, and surface vessels.

You’ll implement and test models, apply system identification, and contribute to CFD-related analyses, preparing you for national mission work in

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or similar.
• Classroom experience in dynamics, maneuvering, seakeeping, and maritime control.
• Proficiency or coursework in Matlab/Simulink, Python, and/or C++.
• Eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale; unofficial transcripts accepted.

Responsibilities

• Compute maritime vessel dynamics for surface and submerged craft using modeling/simulation tools.
• Contribute to design of new maritime systems, including outer mold line shaping and propulsion sizing.
• Predict maneuvering performance in 6-DOF from first principles to CFD.
• Use test/sea-trial data to update maritime dynamics models via system identification.
• Generate seakeeping predictions with potential-flow/CFD tools and validate models.

Skills

Naval architecture basics

Maritime dynamics

Python

Matlab/Simulink

C++

Seakeeping

Maritime control

System identification

CFD basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in naval architecture or ocean engineering

Tools

OrcaFlex

STAR-CCM+

OpenFOAM

Job description

Description

Chart Your Course in Autonomous Maritime Engineering this Winter, January 2027

Fuel your curiosity and make an impact beneath the surface with the Maritime Robotics Group at APL. You’ll apply your engineering expertise to uncover the physics behind complex maritime systems and help shape the next generation of autonomous naval technologies.

We’re looking for a curiosity-driven, analytical student to join our 8-week Winter Internship and support our Modeling & Simulation (M&S) efforts, with experience or coursework in hydrodynamics, marine dynamics, or maritime control. As an intern, you’ll gain hands‑on experience developing and testing models that enhance the performance of cutting‑edge maritime vehicles and systems, while contributing to critical national missions in the maritime domain. The Maritime Robotics Group advances the nation’s advantage in autonomous systems by developing technologies for unmanned maritime vehicles, providing world‑class analysis and design solutions in areas including:

• Maritime dynamics
• Development of novel vessels
• Assessment of existing vessels
• Modeling & Simulation
• Model‑Based Control

Our projects span a wide range of maritime systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), submarines, boats, ships, and more. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and promoting innovation, and as an intern you will have the opportunity to expand your expertise across these technologies.

As a member of our team, you will be able to:

• Compute maritime vessel dynamics, for surface and submerged craft using both custom modeling and simulation and tools such as OrcaFlex
• Execute clean‑sheet design of innovative new systems including outer mold line shaping, control surface sizing, and propulsion design
• Predict maneuvering performance in all six degrees of freedom for both surface and submerged vessels at various levels of fidelity – from first principles to CFD
• Use test and sea trial data to build or augment existing maritime dynamics models using systems identification approaches
• Generate seakeeping predictions using potential flow solvers such as WAMIT, OrcaWave, and others
• Develop control algorithms for maritime vehicles for maneuvering, hovering, station keeping, and other operations

Qualifications

You will meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Able to commence work for an 8-week internship beginning in January 2027
• Are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or similar
• Have classroom experience in one or more of our core skills: dynamics, maneuvering, seakeeping, and maritime control
• Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding using Matlab/Simulink, Python, and/or C++
• Are able to obtain a Secret security 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 experience developing and analyzing dynamics and control of maritime systems.
• Have experience with multiphase unsteady CFD analysis using tools such as STAR-CCM+, Fluent, and/or OpenFOAM.
• Have experience simulating coupled system-of-systems dynamics using OrcaFlex.

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

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly