Mission-Centric Robotics & Autonomy Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to help design, develop, and field mission-tailored autonomous systems for defense and intelligence users. You will work across sensing, autonomy algorithms, perception, planning, and multi-agent coordination on resource-constrained platforms.

You'll collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML teams, contribute to system architecture, verification, and test

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or equivalent.
• Experience developing, integrating, or testing robotics or autonomous systems.
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-tailored autonomous systems for defense and intelligence clients.
• Contribute to perception, planning, navigation, controls, and multi-agent autonomy.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering disciplines.
• Support verification, validation, and system integration activities.
• Present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

AirSim

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to help design, develop, and field mission-tailored autonomous systems for defense and intelligence users. You will work across sensing, autonomy algorithms, perception, planning, and multi-agent coordination on resource-constrained platforms.

You'll collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML teams, contribute to system architecture, verification, and test