Autonomous Subsea Robotics Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join the Modeling and Control team. The role develops software for autonomous underwater vehicles, integrating dynamics, controls, and autonomy algorithms on Linux, using ROS 2 and Python/C++.

You will build simulation tools, test in labs and at sea, and collaborate across robotics, software, and ocean engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
• Experience developing software on Linux.
• Proficiency in Python and C++.
• Familiarity with Git-based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret security clearance and ultimately a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

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 platforms.
• Build high-fidelity simulation environments and modeling tools to support development, testing, and mission planning.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and subsystems into robust software architectures.
• Evaluate vehicle performance through simulation, laboratory testing, and at-sea experiments.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to transition software to operational robotic systems.

Skills

ROS 2

Python

C++

Linux

Git

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Sensor integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, or related field

Tools

Gazebo

Ignition

Stonefish

Isaac Sim

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join the Modeling and Control team. The role develops software for autonomous underwater vehicles, integrating dynamics, controls, and autonomy algorithms on Linux, using ROS 2 and Python/C++.

You will build simulation tools, test in labs and at sea, and collaborate across robotics, software, and ocean engineering teams.