Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Do you have a passion for research, development, and integration of ground-breaking maritime technology?

Do you have a desire to help solve some of the US Navy 's most exciting challenges in the undersea domain?

Do you have a strong background in at-sea testing, systems engineering, systems integration, undersea vehicles, or undersea sensing?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Senior Ocean Systems Engineer for the Ocean Systems and Engineering Group. In this role, you will support advancement of our nation’s next generation of maritime prototype systems from concept development to installation to testing. You will work with a team from government, industry, and academia to develop performance specifications, lead technical studies, and develop systems engineering products for emerging maritime programs, to include autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs). This role will include the opportunity to direct test and evaluation (T&E), as well as engagement with AUV developers and operators. As a member of our team, you will build on APL's legacy of scientific research and development and trusted service to the nation.

• Apply innovative thinking to the detailed development, integration, and evaluation of technical solutions for maritime payloads, autonomous vehicles, acoustic systems, communications systems, and vehicle autonomy.
• Perform technical and/or project leadership for small- to medium-sized technical tasks that may involve both hardware and software.
• Develop, integrate, and test early prototype Research and Development (R&D) systems.
• Generate systems engineering products such as performance specifications, concepts of operation, and system architecture/engineering plans.
• Support small focused studies involving adaptation of technology to urgent or emerging problems.
• Collaborate with multiple DoD system partners to evaluate current strategies, risks, and opportunities to develop and implement T&E strategies that refine/improve their programs and missions.
• Collaborate with AUV operators to develop operation and maintenance processes to support the full system life cycle (requiring 10% travel to partner organization).

• Have a B.S. degree in a technical or scientific field such as Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or equivalent.
• Have 5+ years of relevant experience working with maritime systems or a closely related field to this position.
• Have experience generating and performing system test events.
• Have experience with maritime platform design and integration.
• Are passionate about system engineering methods and tools for maritime system development, integration, evaluations, and technology analysis.
• Possess strong organization and planning skills, with record of accomplishment in a team environment.
• Have excellent social skills and outstanding written and oral communications skills.
• Are able to work within the government infrastructure and address leadership roles in an environment of contractor and government teams.
• Can support the travel needed in order to perform the essentials functions of the job.
• Are able to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by you start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

• Have a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a technical or scientific field such as Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• Have experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools, language, and methodology.
• Have experience as a Task Lead or Project Manager.
• Have experience with fielded autonomous systems.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

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.

$100,000 Annually

$245,000 Annually