Robotics Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance program

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Disability coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Training and development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland seeks a Robotics Researcher to develop novel robotic concepts and algorithmic solutions. The role entails working in an interdisciplinary team focused on robotics applications to enhance national defense and healthcare.

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree with relevant experience in robotics. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $195,000 annually, along with various generous benefits including education assistance, retirement contributions, and more.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years experience in robotics or related AI/engineering fields.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Define and develop novel robotic concepts, systems, and algorithmic solutions.
• Develop and implement control algorithms, AI techniques, and robot designs.

Skills

Python

C++

ROS

TensorFlow

PyTorch

OpenCV

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or related field

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about pursuing groundbreaking research to solve today’s greatest challenges in robotics? Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems? Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. We focus on robotics control, machine learning, generative AI, human‑robot and robot‑robot teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design.

Responsibilities

As a member of the team, your primary responsibility will be defining and developing novel robotic concepts, systems, and algorithmic solutions to address relevant challenges. Current research areas include robot trajectory planning, adaptive reasoning, robot perception, advanced control, enhanced mobility, novel robotic systems, human‑machine and machine‑machine teaming, and safe and assured autonomy behaviors. You will develop and implement control algorithms, AI techniques, and robot designs; publish your work, present results, and propose and work on your own research.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• At least 2 years experience in robotics or related AI/engineering fields.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Additional Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a related field.
• Experience with technical writing and publication in scientific literature.
• Experience developing, simulating, and demonstrating control algorithms for robotic systems.
• Experience developing AI software that integrates with robotic platforms, sensors, or medical devices.
• Experience designing, fabricating, and integrating robotics hardware.
• Skilled in Python and C++.
• Proficiency with ROS, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenCV.

Benefits & Compensation

We offer generous benefits including an education assistance program, retirement contributions, paid leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and training and development. The minimum salary is $85,000 annually and the maximum is $195,000 annually, with potential bonuses and relocation benefits. Additional compensation may include sign‑on bonus and locality allowance.

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, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities.