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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer

Robotics & Autonomous SystemsPosted on Nov 9
Full-timeLaurel, MD, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties.
  • At least 3 years of experience developing uncrewed, robotic, or autonomous systems, including hands-on integration of hardware and software subsystems such as sensors, onboard computing, communications, controllers, and payloads.
  • Proficiency developing and debugging software in Python and/or C++ for robotic systems, including experience with robotic control architectures, middleware, and communication interfaces for exchanging commands, telemetry, and sensor data.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex electromechanical and software systems, planning and executing laboratory or field tests, diagnosing failures, and implementing and validating solutions.
  • Ability to independently own technical tasks, collaborate across engineering disciplines, and deliver functional prototypes or tested capabilities.
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate hardware, electronics, firmware, and software for uncrewed, robotic, and autonomous platforms.
  • Plan and execute laboratory and field tests to validate performance, diagnose failures, and refine system designs.
  • Develop and implement autonomy capabilities, including perception, navigation, mission execution, and coordination among multiple platforms.
  • Document system designs, integration procedures, and test results, and communicate technical capabilities and findings to teammates, project leaders, and sponsors.
  • Identify and evaluate emerging robotics technologies, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and develop solutions to evolving operational challenges.

Desired Qualifications

  • A master's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
  • At least 5 years of experience designing, integrating, and testing uncrewed systems, particularly small UAV and UGV platforms.
  • Experience implementing robotic autonomy capabilities such as computer vision, object tracking, SLAM, odometry, sensor fusion, and autonomous navigation.
  • Experience designing custom digital and analog circuit boards for constrained size, weight, and power systems.
  • Experience developing embedded software and firmware to manage onboard power, sensing, control, actuation, and communication functions.

About the Company

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges through technical expertise, prototyping, research and development, and analysis. It uses engineering, simulations, and studies to design prototypes and deliver analyses that support government and partner organizations. Unlike many commercial firms, APL operates as a non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins and focuses on mission-oriented research rather than selling finished products. Its goal is to provide practical, thoroughly tested solutions to public-sector customers by performing research, developing prototypes, and offering expert analysis.

Company size
5,001-10,000
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
United States
Founded
1942

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