Autonomy and Intelligent Systems Development Team Leader

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

Description

Are you interested in building autonomous and intelligent software and systems to solve sophisticated challenges for National Security Space and NASA missions and systems?

Do you envision a future where your contributions enable artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) on spacecraft?

Do you have a passion for mentoring technical staff and leading collaborative teams?

Are you passionate about growing new technologies as they relate to autonomous and intelligent systems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Team Leader (Section Supervisor) in the Embedded Applications (SIE) group to mentor and lead a team of software engineers working on both civil (NASA) and National Security Space missions. We are looking for a motivated, creative, and team-focused AI/ML and autonomy software engineer to supervise a growing section of technical staff members. You will work with and mentor staff who are designing and developing expert systems for autonomous spacecraft, be a member of the group leadership team, and provide technical expertise in the design and development of autonomous and intelligent systems. In addition to Section Supervisor responsibilities, you will also be a leading and visionary technical contributor as a member of the Embedded Applications group focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning into the design and development of embedded flight software.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to group technical strategy and management function - to include participation in hiring panels and assuring compliance with institutional policies.
• Serve as an AI/ML and expert systems domain authority and project technical leader for the team.
• Work closely with members of the section and group to support research, development and adaptation of AI/ML algorithms to build expert systems for autonomous spacecraft in the context of embedded systems.
• Work with technical experts across the Laboratory to research, design, develop, and advance autonomous and intelligent technologies and capabilities including fault protection, tasking, space networking, cyber-related algorithms, and system health monitoring.
• Review software processes and procedures, perform software quality reviews, proposal reviews, and overview of publications and presentations by staff.
• Define, design, and develop AI/ML and automated expert systems in the context of an embedded system.
• Recruit, train, and retain skilled and motivated software engineers while recognizing and promoting everyday staff achievements.
• Mentor, coach, encourage, and empower staff in a career development culture of continuous improvement.
• Cultivate an environment that promotes creativity, dedication to quality, and engagement.
• Share knowledge by collaborating with and mentoring APL staff, engaging with spacecraft engineers and participate in working groups.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field.
• Have 5+ years of experience in algorithm development and analysis, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and controls software engineering.
• Possess strong analytical problem-solving skills and leadership characteristics, including the ability to visualize, select, and communicate system level solutions and technical direction.
• Possess expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms and methods including neural networks, symbolic regression, and ensemble methods.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and follow-through.
• Exhibit the ability to lead and cultivate welcoming teams.
• Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level 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.

You\'ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold an MS or PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• Have experience in spacecraft flight or ground software development.
• Have experience developing autonomous or artificially intelligent systems for flight software.
• Have experience in writing internal and external proposals in the area of autonomous systems.
• Demonstrate experience leading teams in development or research projects.
• Demonstrate success executing awarded proposals.
• Have published articles in autonomous systems or artificial intelligence.
• Demonstrate experience mentoring staff or interns.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate
105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate
275,000 Annually