Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer

Description
Passionate about designing, building, and testing robotic systems that solve challenging real-world problems?

Excited by the opportunity to combine hardware, embedded software, sensing, and autonomy to create innovative capabilities for uncrewed systems?

Motivated to push the boundaries of robotics technology and deliver capabilities that make a meaningful difference to U.S. defense and intelligence operations?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group is seeking a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer to develop advanced capabilities that give U.S. operators an asymmetric advantage as robotics and autonomy transform modern operations. These technologies are being increasingly being used around the world to extend operators' reach into dangerous and denied environments, providing greater access, awareness, and freedom of action. Our staff tackle a variety of operational challenges by evaluating emerging capabilities, developing and integrating new systems, adapting current systems to new missions, and identifying and exploiting system vulnerabilities. We turn these innovations into mission-ready capabilities that address critical challenges facing the defense and intelligence communities.

As a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will...

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 innovative solutions to evolving operational challenges.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you possess...

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.

At least 3 years of experience developing uncrewed, robotic, or autonomous systems with hands-on experience integrating hardware and software subsystems such as sensors, onboard computing, communications, controllers, and payloads.

Proficiency in 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, including planning and executing laboratory or field tests, diagnosing failures, and implementing and validating solutions.

Demonstrated ability to independently own technical tasks, collaborate across engineering disciplines, and deliver functional prototypes or tested capabilities.

Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you possess...

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 (SWaP) systems.

Experience developing embedded software and firmware to manage onboard power, sensing, control, actuation, and communication functions.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

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, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on techcareers.com.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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