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Autonomous Robot information

What is the difference between Autonomous Robot vs Robot Technician?

AspectAutonomous RobotRobot Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certification in robotics or automationTechnical diploma or certification in robotics, electronics, or maintenance
Work EnvironmentOperates independently in manufacturing, logistics, or field settingsMaintains, repairs, and installs robots in industrial or commercial facilities
Industry UsageDesigns and deploys autonomous systems in various sectorsSupports and services robotic equipment used in industry

Autonomous Robots are designed to operate independently, often requiring advanced engineering knowledge, while Robot Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing robotic systems. Both roles are essential in robotics industries but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are autonomous robots?

Autonomous robots are machines capable of performing tasks and making decisions without direct human intervention. They use sensors, software, and artificial intelligence to perceive their environment, process information, and act on their own. These robots are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and even in homes for tasks like cleaning. Their level of autonomy can vary, from simple programmed routines to complex behaviors that adapt to changing circumstances. The goal of autonomous robots is to increase efficiency, reduce human labor, and perform tasks that may be dangerous or repetitive for people.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working on autonomous robot development teams?

Engineers working on autonomous robot development teams often encounter challenges such as integrating complex hardware and software systems, ensuring reliable sensor data interpretation, and maintaining robust performance in unpredictable real-world environments. Collaboration is key, as teams typically include specialists in areas like perception, navigation, and mechanical design. Clear communication and agile problem-solving are essential, especially when troubleshooting issues that arise during field testing or adapting to new use cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous robot engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Robot Engineer, you need expertise in robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and a solid background in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with technical tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), sensor integration, and programming languages like Python or C++ is essential, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively and innovate solutions to complex challenges. These skills ensure the development, deployment, and maintenance of reliable autonomous robotic systems in real-world environments.
What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Robot jobs in Washington? For Autonomous Robot jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Robot jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Robot jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Autonomous Robot jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Autonomous Robot job openings:
Autonomous Robot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Robot job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 73 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you searching for impactful, hands-on work at the forefront of robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled decision making?
Are you interested in advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through applied research and experimentation?
Are you excited to work on mission-driven problems that require both technical depth and system-level thinking?
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ). This role is intended for recent PhD graduates who want to apply advanced research to real-world robotic systems operating in complex, mission-driven environments providing asymmetric capabilities for our nation.
Our team develops robotic capabilities and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) autonomous systems to address the nation's immediate needs, bringing together experts spanning platform design, embedded autonomy, perception, and mission-level behaviors, with a strong emphasis on hands-on system development, rapid prototyping, and field experimentation.
This position is ideal for candidates who want to bridge cutting-edge research and operational deployment, working on systems that extend human capabilities and operate in high-risk or denied environments.
As a member of our team, you will...
  • Lead and contribute to applied research in robotics and autonomy, transitioning novel ideas into prototypes and deployable systems
  • Design, build, and integrate robotic platforms, including sensing, compute, control, and communications
  • Contribute to teams developing advanced autonomy algorithms and pipelines on resource-constrained hardware, including perception, planning, decision-making, and multi-agent coordination
  • Develop and evaluate systems using simulation, digital twins, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments
  • Conduct field experiments and performance evaluations in realistic operational scenarios
  • Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated capabilities
  • Publish results and help shape future research directions and proposals

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Demonstrate a strong record of research in robotics or autonomous systems (e.g., publications, dissertation work, or equivalent)
  • Have hands-on experience building and testing robotic systems
  • Are familiar with embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, microcontrollers, FPGA-based systems) and real-time sensing and processing
  • Have experience with robotics frameworks and simulation environments (e.g., ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar)
  • Are proficient in programming languages such as Python and C++
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret clearance to start and ultimately a final Top-Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required; subject to a government background investigation).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience developing real-world robotic platforms (e.g., UAVs, UGVs, maritime, or custom systems)
  • Have deep algorithm expertise in one or more areas, such as perception, SLAM, planning, control, or multi-agent autonomy
  • Have experience adapting and deploying AI models for real-time inference on embedded/edge platforms (e.g., Jetson, FPGA, microcontrollers, real-time systems)
  • Have strong experience with robotics simulation and digital twin environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal, AirSim)
  • Have experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing and sim-to-real transfer
  • Have experience with rapid prototyping, including CAD, fabrication, and electronics integration
  • Demonstrate a track record of transitioning research into operational or applied systems
  • Have experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior researchers

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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
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
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually

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