2027 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to advance state-of-the-art autonomy through applied research and field testing. You will join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) and work on mission-driven problems requiring both technical depth and system-level thinking.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, rapid prototyping, and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML disciplines to

Qualifications

• PhD in robotics or related field.
• Strong research record in robotics/autonomy (publications, dissertation, etc.).
• Hands-on experience building/testing robotic systems.
• Experience with embedded platforms (Jetson, microcontrollers, FPGA) and real-time sensing/processing.
• Experience with robotics frameworks and simulation (ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim).
• Proficient in Python and C++.
• Ability to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to applied robotics/autonomy research, turning ideas into prototypes and deployable systems.
• Design, build, and integrate robotic platforms including sensing, compute, control, and communications.
• Develop autonomy algorithms and pipelines on resource-constrained hardware (perception, planning, decision-making, multi-agent coordination).
• Evaluate systems using simulation, digital twins, and HWIL environments.
• Conduct field experiments and performance evaluations in realistic operational scenarios.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML to deliver integrated capabilities.
• Publish results and shape future research directions and proposals.

Skills

Robotics research

Hands-on robotics

Embedded platforms

ROS/ROS2

Python

C++

Security clearance

Education

PhD in Robotics/related field

Tools

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

HWIL testing

NVIDIA Jetson

FPGA

Job description

Are you searching for impactful, hands‑on work at the forefront of robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled decision making?

Are you interested in advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through applied research and experimentation?

Are you excited to work on mission‑driven problems that require both technical depth and system‑level thinking?

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ). This role is intended for recent PhD graduates who want to apply advanced research to real‑world robotic systems operating in complex, mission‑driven environments providing asymmetric capabilities for our nation.

Our team develops robotic capabilities and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) autonomous systems to address the nation’s immediate needs, bringing together experts spanning platform design, embedded autonomy, perception, and mission‑level behaviors, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on system development, rapid prototyping, and field experimentation.

This position is ideal for candidates who want to bridge cutting‑edge research and operational deployment, working on systems that extend human capabilities and operate in high‑risk or denied environments.

As a member of our team, you will…

• Lead and contribute to applied research in robotics and autonomy, transitioning novel ideas into prototypes and deployable systems
• Design, build, and integrate robotic platforms, including sensing, compute, control, and communications
• Contribute to teams developing advanced autonomy algorithms and pipelines on resource‑constrained hardware, including perception, planning, decision‑making, and multi‑agent coordination
• Develop and evaluate systems using simulation, digital twins, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) environments
• Conduct field experiments and performance evaluations in realistic operational scenarios
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated capabilities
• Publish results and help shape future research directions and proposals

Qualifications

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

• Have a Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Demonstrate a strong record of research in robotics or autonomous systems (e.g., publications, dissertation work, or equivalent)
• Have hands‑on experience building and testing robotic systems
• Are familiar with embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, microcontrollers, FPGA‑based systems) and real‑time sensing and processing
• Have experience with robotics frameworks and simulation environments (e.g., ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar)
• Are proficient in programming languages such as Python and C++
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret clearance to start and ultimately a final Top‑Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required; subject to a government background investigation).

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

• Have experience developing real‑world robotic platforms (e.g., UAVs, UGVs, maritime, or custom systems)
• Have deep algorithm expertise in one or more areas, such as perception, SLAM, planning, control, or multi‑agent autonomy
• Have experience adapting and deploying AI models for real‑time inference on embedded/edge platforms (e.g., Jetson, FPGA, microcontrollers, real‑time systems)
• Have strong experience with robotics simulation and digital twin environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal, AirSim)
• Have experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) testing and sim‑to‑real transfer
• Have experience with rapid prototyping, including CAD, fabrication, and electronics integration
• Demonstrate a track record of transitioning research into operational or applied systems
• Have experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior researchers

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

$85,300 Annually

Maximum Rate

$155,500 Annually