Robotics Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL); Laurel (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

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.

Skills

Robotics

Autonomous systems

Embedded systems

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Programming (Python/C++)

Security clearance

DoD/IC experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

AirSim

Hardware-in-the-loop testing

Digital twins

Job description

Requirements

Must have:

• A bachelors degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• At least 2 years of professional experience developing, integrating, testing, or fielding robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other complex engineering solutions.
• Experience contributing to the design, development, integration, and testing of hardware and/or software systems.
• Programming experience in one or more languages such as Python, C++, Rust, or similar.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately qualify for a Top Secret clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility for classified access.
• A masters degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience developing robotic platforms, autonomous systems, or embedded systems for operational settings is preferred.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, AirSim, or comparable robotics simulation tools is preferred.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, digital twins, or simulation-driven system development is preferred.
• Background in AI/ML, perception, planning, controls, SLAM, navigation, or multi-agent autonomy is preferred.
• Systems engineering experience, including requirements development, interface definition, integration, verification, or technical trade studies, is preferred.
• Experience leading small technical efforts or work packages across multiple disciplines is preferred.
• Experience supporting proposal development or internal research and development activities is preferred.
• Experience working directly with the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, or other government sponsors is preferred.
• An active Top Secret security clearance is 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.

Company

We are the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where we tackle critical defense, security, space, and science challenges through advanced robotics and autonomy. Our team develops mission-tailored autonomous systems that sense, decide, and act in complex operational environments, spanning perception, autonomy algorithms, platform behaviors, modeling and simulation, full‑stack development, and deployment on resource‑constrained systems. We offer a welcoming, collaborative culture where you can grow, work with inspiring teammates, and bring your authentic self to work. Our benefits include strong education assistance, excellent retirement contributions, work/life balance, and a comprehensive package covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, training, and development. Our campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.