Autonomous Subsea Robotics Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maritime Robotics Group at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an early‑career Subsea Robotics Engineer to help develop software for autonomous underwater and subsea vehicles. You will collaborate across robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineers to build robust systems.

You will develop robotics software using ROS 2, design modular C++ and Python code on Linux, and create high‑fidelity simulations with Gazebo/Isaac Sim.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field.
• Experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
• Experience developing software on Linux.
• Proficient in Python and C++.
• Experience with dynamics, controls, simulation, or autonomous systems.
• Familiar with Git, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Eligible for Interim Secret security 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 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

Skills

ROS 2

Python

C++

Linux

Dynamics & Controls

Team collaboration

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Robotics/Engineering/CS

PhD in Robotics or related field

Tools

Gazebo

Ignition

Stonefish

Isaac Sim

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

The Maritime Robotics Group at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an early‑career Subsea Robotics Engineer to help develop software for autonomous underwater and subsea vehicles. You will collaborate across robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineers to build robust systems.

You will develop robotics software using ROS 2, design modular C++ and Python code on Linux, and create high‑fidelity simulations with Gazebo/Isaac Sim.