2027 PhD Graduate - Subsea Robotics Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is seeking an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to advance software for autonomous underwater and remotely operated vehicles. You will collaborate across robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineering to deploy robust underwater systems.

The role focuses on developing, integrating, testing, and deploying advanced robotics software, with emphasis on simulation, autonomy, and field experiments. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, Aerospace, CS, or related field.
• Experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
• Experience developing software on Linux.
• Proficient in Python and C++.
• Experience with dynamic systems, controls, robotics simulation, or autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with Git-based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop robotics software for AUVs, ROVs, and subsea systems using ROS 2.
• Design and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux systems.
• Develop dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomy algorithms.

Skills

ROS 2

Python

C++

Linux

Git version control

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Robotics or related field

Tools

Gazebo

MATLAB/Simulink

Ignition

Stonefish

Isaac Sim

Job description

Job Overview

Are you excited about developing software that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to operate in challenging real‑world environments?

Do you enjoy combining robotics, dynamics, controls, and software engineering to solve complex mission problems? If so, the Maritime Robotics Group (KMM) is looking for an early‑career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join our Modeling and Control team.

Our mission is to develop, integrate, test, and deploy advanced robotic capabilities that provide our nation with an advantage in autonomous maritime systems. We build software that enables autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles to navigate, maneuver, interact with their environment, and accomplish challenging operational missions. Our work spans simulation, controls, autonomy, system integration, laboratory testing, and at‑sea experimentation, with an emphasis on delivering robust capabilities that transition to operational systems.

As a member of our team, you will work closely with robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineers to develop and deploy advanced underwater robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop robotics software for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and other subsea robotic systems using ROS 2.
• Design, implement, and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux‑based systems.
• Develop and integrate dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomy algorithms for underwater robotic platforms.
• Build high‑fidelity simulation environments and modeling tools to support software development, system integration, and mission planning.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems into robust robotic software architectures.
• Evaluate vehicle performance through simulation, laboratory testing, and field experiments, using collected data to improve system performance.
• Support integration and testing of robotic systems in laboratory, pool, and at‑sea environments.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to transition software from development into operational robotic systems.

Qualifications

• Have a Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Have experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
• Have experience developing software on Linux.
• Are proficient in Python and C++.
• Have experience developing, implementing, or testing dynamic systems, feedback control algorithms, robotic simulation, or autonomous systems through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional experience.
• Have familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git‑based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a 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.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Have experience developing dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, or autonomy software for robotic systems.
• Have experience modeling and simulating robotic or autonomous systems using Gazebo, Ignition, Stonefish, Isaac Sim, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
• Have experience integrating robotic sensors such as IMUs, DVLs, sonars, cameras, pressure sensors, or manipulators.
• Have experience with state estimation, system identification, trajectory generation, optimization, or motion planning.
• Have experience with containerized software development, continuous integration, or modern DevSecOps workflows.
• Have participated in field testing, vehicle integration, or deployment of robotic systems.
• Have demonstrated initiative in developing new technical capabilities or leading engineering efforts.

EEO Statement

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].

Salary

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually