Autonomy Test and Evaluation Software Engineer

Description

Do you enjoy building advanced simulation and analysis tools to evaluate sophisticated autonomous systems?

Are you interested in shaping how the Navy tests, validates, and deploys autonomous maritime platforms?

If so, we would love for you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a motivated Autonomy Test and Evaluation Tools Software Engineer to join the Ocean Systems and Engineering Group. In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative test and evaluation software solutions. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in an agile, rapid prototyping environment to build the next generation of simulation-based test tools for autonomous platforms.

As an Autonomy Test and Evaluation Tools Software Engineer, you will...

• Develop end-to-end software tools for simulation-based test and evaluation (T&E) of autonomous systems, including requirements definition, architecture, implementation, and validation.
• Design and build high-fidelity simulation environments to evaluate autonomy algorithms under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
• Develop approaches to verify and validate decision-making systems, including edge cases and emergent behaviors.
• Apply data science, statistics, and machine learning techniques to analyze system performance and develop new evaluation methods.
• Plan and support field experiments, integrating real-world data with simulation-based analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in an agile, rapid prototyping environment.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum requirements for the job if you...

• Have a BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field such as Robotics, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Have 5+ years of professional experience in software development (Python and/or C++).
• Have experience with full-lifecycle software development.
• Have experience or interest in autonomous systems, robotics, simulation, or test and evaluation.
• Have experience developing or working with simulation environments or modeling and simulation (M&S) tools.
• Bring strong organizational and planning skills, with a track record of contributing effectively in team environments.
• Communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Are able to obtain an interim Secret-level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to Top Secret classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

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

• Have an MS or PhD in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Have experience developing or evaluating autonomous systems, including decision-making, planning, or behavior-based autonomy.
• Have experience in simulation-based test and evaluation or M&S environments.
• Have experience with verification and validation (V&V) of complex or safety-critical systems.
• Have experience developing machine learning approaches such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or online/offline learning.
• Have experience integrating autonomy software into simulation frameworks (e.g., ROS, Gazebo, Unity, or similar environments).
• Have supported or led field testing of autonomous systems.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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