Autonomous UAS Integration Technician (Prototype)

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 34,440 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington region seeks a hands-on UAS Integration Technician to build, modify, and test autonomous air systems. You will integrate payloads, avionics, and ground support gear, working with engineers in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

You're expected to have a high school diploma and proven experience with mechanical and electrical assemblies, soldering, wiring, and safety-conscious lab work, plus willingness to travel

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on technician experience in aerospace, aviation maintenance, robotics, mechanical systems, or related fields.
• Built, modified, repaired, or maintained mechanical or electrical systems.
• Strong workmanship in soldering, crimping, wiring, routing, labeling, and inspection.
• Practical understanding of electronics, computer hardware, hand tools, and shop practices.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving requirements and transform sketches into working hardware.
• Ability to document work using standard office software.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel and to obtain required clearances.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, integrate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain prototype UAS, payloads, test fixtures, and ground support equipment.
• Work with engineers to turn sketches, CAD models, wiring diagrams, and concepts into functioning hardware.
• Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS platforms, including airframe modification, avionics installation, payload integration, propulsion installation, wiring, soldering, crimping, harness fabrication, labeling, and system checkout.
• Fabricate and modify airframe components using composites, additive manufacturing, hand tools, and machine shop equipment.
• Identify buildability, fit, routing, access, maintainability, durability, and safety issues early and propose practical improvements.
• Support laboratory, ground, and flight testing by preparing vehicles, performing pre-flight inspections, maintaining ground support equipment, troubleshooting hardware, and returning systems to test-ready condition.
• Assist engineers with system checkout and diagnostics using standard test equipment and software interfaces.
• Maintain UAS development laboratories and workspaces, ensuring tools are calibrated and inventories organized.
• Document build configurations, as-built deviations, repair actions, and test observations to aid reproducibility.
• Communicate effectively across disciplines and maintain safety procedures.
• Occasionally operate a cargo van to transport test equipment or support field activities.

Skills

Hands-on technician

Soldering

Electrical wiring

Mechanical systems

Documentation

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Safety awareness

Travel readiness

US citizenship

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical degree or military training

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

CNC machinery

Laser cutters

3D printers

Oscilloscope

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington region seeks a hands-on UAS Integration Technician to build, modify, and test autonomous air systems. You will integrate payloads, avionics, and ground support gear, working with engineers in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

You're expected to have a high school diploma and proven experience with mechanical and electrical assemblies, soldering, wiring, and safety-conscious lab work, plus willingness to travel