Robotics Engineer for Tailored Autonomous Systems

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to help develop, integrate, and field mission-tailored autonomous systems for defense and intelligence missions.

You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML teams to advance perception, planning, navigation, controls, and multi-agent autonomy on resource-constrained platforms, with verification and HWIL testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in robotics or autonomous systems.
• Experience designing, developing, integrating, testing hardware and/or software systems.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Rust or similar.
• Strong written and verbal communication in multidisciplinary teams.
• Eligible for Interim Top Secret clearance by start date and eventual Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-relevant autonomous systems for sponsors and end users in defense and intelligence communities.
• Contribute to architecture, design, implementation, integration, and test of autonomy systems across sensing, software, communications, and hardware.
• Develop and integrate capabilities including perception, planning, navigation, controls, AI/ML inference, and multi‑agent autonomy on resource-constrained platforms.
• Participate in system architecture trades, requirements development, interface definition, and technical design reviews.
• Support verification, validation, and test activities, including simulation, HWIL, lab integration, and field experimentation.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
• Present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of tasks and project execution.
• Contribute to proposal development, IRAD, and technology transition efforts expanding autonomy portfolio.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Security clearance

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Aerospace, CS

Master's degree in Robotics or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

Gazebo

Isaac Sim

Unreal Engine

AirSim

HWIL testing

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced mission capabilities?

Do you enjoy collaborating with multidisciplinary teams through the development, integration, and transition of complex autonomous systems?

Are you interested in shaping the future of robotics and autonomy for critical national security missions?

The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) is seeking a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to help us develop, implement and field mission‑tailored autonomous systems that perform sensing, decision‑making, and coordinated action in complex operational environments. Our work spans perception, autonomy algorithms, platform behaviors, modeling and simulation, full stack development, and software deployment on resource‑constrained systems.

As a Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will…

• You will work closely with engineers, scientists, and program managers to develop mission‑relevant autonomous systems for sponsors and end users in the defense and intelligence communities.
• You will contribute to the architecture, design, implementation, integration, and test of autonomy systems spanning sensing, software, communications, and hardware.
• You will develop and integrate capabilities including perception, planning, navigation, controls, AI/ML inference, and multi‑agent autonomy on resource‑constrained platforms.
• You will participate in system architecture trades, requirements development, interface definition, and technical design reviews throughout the system lifecycle.
• You will support verification, validation, and test activities, including simulation, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL), laboratory integration, and field experimentation.
• You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
• You will present technical work to project teams, leadership, and sponsors, while taking increasing ownership of technical tasks and project execution.
• You will contribute to proposal development, internal research initiatives (IRAD), and technology transition efforts that expand the group's autonomy portfolio.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or another related technical field.
• Have at least 2 years of professional experience developing, integrating, testing, or fielding robotics, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other complex engineering systems.
• Have experience contributing to the design, development, integration, and test of hardware and/or software systems.
• Have experience programming in one or more languages such as Python, C++, Rust, or similar.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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 a Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Have experience developing robotic platforms, autonomous systems, or embedded systems for operational environments.
• Have experience with ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal Engine, AirSim, or similar robotics simulation environments.
• Have experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) testing, digital twins, or simulation‑based system development.
• Have experience with AI/ML, perception, planning, controls, SLAM, navigation, or multi‑agent autonomy.
• Have experience with systems engineering, including requirements development, interface definition, system integration, verification, or technical trade studies.
• Have experience leading small technical efforts or work packages, including coordinating technical tasks across multiple disciplines.
• Have experience supporting proposal development or IRAD activities.
• Have experience working directly with DoD, Intelligence Community, or other government sponsors.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually