Senior Guidance & Control Engineer for Autonomous Vehicles

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Guidance & Controls Engineer to lead development of advanced guidance and control algorithms for autonomous vehicle platforms, including hypersonics and missiles. You will mentor GNC staff and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust, up-to-date solutions.

Applicants should have 5+ years in vehicle guidance/controls, strong modeling/simulation skills, and the ability to obtain necessary security

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related field.
• At least five years of experience in vehicle guidance, controls, or autonomous systems.
• Proficient in building physics-based models and simulation of dynamics.
• Strong grounding in classical and modern control theory for vehicle design.
• Ability to mentor and lead technical staff.
• Eligible for Interim Secret/Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, design, and development of guidance and control algorithms.
• Collaborate with DoD program offices and contractor interfaces to support weapon systems.
• Mentor GNC engineers and maintain deep knowledge in analysis and implementation of control solutions.
• Assess contractor designs to support acquisition cycles and ensure successful integration.
• Work with cross-disciplinary experts to identify risks and guide program strategy.

Skills

Guidance & Control

Vehicle dynamics

Controls theory

Team leadership

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

HWIL testing

ProNav

GENEX

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Guidance & Controls Engineer to lead development of advanced guidance and control algorithms for autonomous vehicle platforms, including hypersonics and missiles. You will mentor GNC staff and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure robust, up-to-date solutions.

Applicants should have 5+ years in vehicle guidance/controls, strong modeling/simulation skills, and the ability to obtain necessary security