Robotics Engineer — Autonomous Defense Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Laurel (NE)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory's Tailored Autonomous Systems Group is seeking engineers and researchers to develop mission-focused autonomous systems for defense and intelligence sponsors. You will contribute to architecture, design, implementation, integration, and testing across sensing, software, and hardware, including AI/ML, planning, and navigation on resource-constrained platforms.

Join a collaborative team in the Baltimore-Washington metro area and grow through proposal work,

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in robotics or closely related technical field.
At least 2 years of professional experience in robotics, autonomous or embedded systems.
Experience in hardware and/or software design, development, integration and testing.
Programming experience in Python, C++, Rust, or similar.
Strong written and verbal communication in multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance and eligible for Top Secret.
U.S. citizenship required for classified access.
Master's degree preferred in related field.
Experience with robotic platforms or autonomous systems in operational settings preferred.
Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, AirSim or similar tools preferred.
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, digital twins, or simulation-driven development preferred.
Background in AI/ML, perception, planning, controls, SLAM, navigation or multi-agent autonomy preferred.
Systems engineering experience including requirements, interfaces, integration, verification or trade studies preferred.
Experience leading small technical efforts across disciplines preferred.
Experience supporting proposals or internal R&D activities preferred.
Experience working with DoD or IC or government sponsors preferred.
Active Top Secret clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with engineers, scientists, and program managers to develop mission-focused autonomous systems for defense and intelligence sponsors and end users.
Contribute to the architecture, design, implementation, integration, and testing of autonomy systems across sensing, software, communications, and hardware.
Develop and integrate capabilities such as perception, planning, navigation, controls, AI/ML inference, and multi-agent autonomy on resource‑limited platforms.
Participate in system architecture trade studies, requirements definition, interface specification, and technical design reviews across the system lifecycle.
Support verification, validation, and test work, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, lab integration, and field experimentation.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML teams to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
Present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors while taking on greater ownership of technical execution.
Contribute to proposal development, internal research initiatives, and technology transition efforts that broaden the group's autonomy portfolio.