Senior Robotics & Autonomy Lead for Critical Missions

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to lead design, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced autonomous systems for national security missions. You will set system architectures, guide execution, and transition capabilities to operations, mentoring engineers along the way.

You will collaborate with sponsors and researchers to shape the robotics portfolio, manage cross-disciplinary teams, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field related to robotics or engineering.
• 8+ years of professional experience in developing, integrating, testing, or fielding complex engineering systems.
• Experience leading technical teams through design, development, prototyping, integration and test.
• Experience with robotic/autonomous/embedded systems or mission-critical technologies.
• Experience conducting system-level trade studies, risk management, and performance analyses.
• Strong technical communication skills for sponsors and leadership.
• Proficiency in Python or C++, with ability to work across software/hardware domains.
• Must be able to obtain interim Top Secret clearance by start date and TS/SCI clearance eventually; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture development and interface definition across hardware, software, sensing, communications, and autonomy subsystems.
• Act as technical lead or chief engineer on autonomy-focused development efforts.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and performance analyses to support decisions.
• Oversee verification, validation, and testing including HWIL, simulation, and field experiments.
• Guide development of autonomy capabilities: perception, planning, navigation, controls, decision-making, and multi-agent coordination.
• Mentor junior engineers in systems engineering and autonomy development.
• Support proposals, strategic planning and business development to expand the group’s portfolio.

Skills

Python

C++

System architecture

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics/Mechanical/Electrical/Systems/Aerospace/CS/CE

Master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field

Tools

SysML

Digital Engineering

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to lead design, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced autonomous systems for national security missions. You will set system architectures, guide execution, and transition capabilities to operations, mentoring engineers along the way.

You will collaborate with sponsors and researchers to shape the robotics portfolio, manage cross-disciplinary teams, and contribute to