Robotics Software Architect - ROS2 & PLC Integration

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks a PREP Research Associate to advance robotic software architectures and hardware interfacing within NIST collaboration efforts in Gaithersburg, MD. The role focuses on ROS 2, C++, Java, and PLC integration across real and simulated environments.

You will design, test, and document software bridges between high-level control and industrial hardware, contributing to cross-disciplinary research and education opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/Robotics/CE/EE/SE.
• Hands-on experience developing software in the ROS 2 ecosystem.
• Experience with PLC programming for industrial automation.
• Experience interfacing high-level controllers with industrial hardware.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Java; Python proficiency also desirable.
• Strong understanding of ROS 2 nodes, topics, services, actions, and message types.
• Experience with Linux/Unix (Ubuntu) and Windows; version control (Git).

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and maintain scalable robotic software architectures using ROS 2, C++, Java, and C#.
• Implement Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and design system interfaces to bridge high-level autonomous logic with industrial physical hardware and sensors.
• Build robust device drivers, communication protocols, and APIs to ensure seamless software interoperability and execution across diverse robotic platforms.
• Conduct hands-on system testing, debugging, and performance optimization on real physical hardware and simulated environments to ensure reliable operation.
• Document codebase architectures, write system user guides, and present regular project progress updates to team members and project leads.

Skills

ROS 2

C++

Java

C#

PLC programming

Linux/Unix

Windows

Python

Git

OOP

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/Robotics/CE/EE/SE

Tools

Git

GitHub

GitLab

Bitbucket

Job description

Johns Hopkins University seeks a PREP Research Associate to advance robotic software architectures and hardware interfacing within NIST collaboration efforts in Gaithersburg, MD. The role focuses on ROS 2, C++, Java, and PLC integration across real and simulated environments.

You will design, test, and document software bridges between high-level control and industrial hardware, contributing to cross-disciplinary research and education opportunities.