Autonomy & AI/ML Systems Team Lead

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Team Leader (Section Supervisor) in the Embedded Applications group to mentor engineers building autonomous AI/ML for spacecraft and guide the section's technical direction. You will lead a growing team supporting NASA and National Security Space missions and contribute to the design of embedded flight software.

This role emphasizes leading, collaborating across disciplines, and advancing autonomous systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, Data Science, CS Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years in AI/ML, algorithms, and controls software development.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to group strategy and management functions, including hiring panels and policy compliance.
• Serve as AI/ML domain authority and technical leader for the team.
• Research, design, and develop AI/ML algorithms for autonomous spacecraft within embedded systems.
• Recruit, train, and retain skilled software engineers; mentor staff.
• Foster creativity, dedication to quality and engagement; collaborate with spacecraft engineers.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Team leadership

Autonomy software

Embedded systems

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS/PhD preferred

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Team Leader (Section Supervisor) in the Embedded Applications group to mentor engineers building autonomous AI/ML for spacecraft and guide the section's technical direction. You will lead a growing team supporting NASA and National Security Space missions and contribute to the design of embedded flight software.

This role emphasizes leading, collaborating across disciplines, and advancing autonomous systems.