Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Are you passionate about robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced mission capabilities? Do you enjoy leading multidisciplinary teams through the development, integration, and transition of complex autonomous systems? Are you interested in shaping the future of robotics and autonomy for critical national security missions? The Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) is seeking a Senior Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced robotic and autonomous systems. Our team develops low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) robotic platforms and autonomy solutions that operate in challenging and dynamic environments. As a senior member of the team, you will serve as a technical leader across multiple projects, working closely with sponsors, engineers, and researchers to define system architectures, guide technical execution, and transition advanced capabilities into operational use. You will help shape the strategic direction of QPJ's robotics and autonomy portfolio while contributing directly to the nation's most challenging mission problems. As a Senior Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will... * Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through system architecture, requirements development, integration, test, and transition activities for advanced autonomous systems.
* Serve as a technical lead, chief engineer, or senior systems engineer on autonomy-focused development efforts.
* Lead system architecture development, interface definition, requirements allocation, and technical baseline management across hardware, software, sensing, communications, and autonomy subsystems.
* Conduct and lead technical trade studies, design reviews, risk assessments, and performance analyses to support critical program decisions.
* Lead verification, validation, and test activities, including simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), laboratory integration, and field experimentation.
* Guide development of autonomy capabilities including perception, planning, navigation, controls, decision-making, and multi-agent coordination.
* Interface directly with government sponsors, performers, and stakeholders to define technical objectives, communicate progress, and shape future program direction.
* Mentor junior engineers and researchers in systems engineering, robotics, and autonomy development.
* Support proposal development, strategic planning, and business development activities that expand group's technical portfolio. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Have a Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
* Have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience developing, integrating, testing, or fielding complex engineering systems.
* Have experience leading technical teams through system design, development, prototyping, integration, and test activities.
* Have experience developing and integrating robotic systems, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or other mission-critical technologies.
* Have experience conducting system-level trade studies, technical risk management, and performance analyses.
* Have strong technical communication skills and experience presenting technical information to sponsors and senior leadership.
* Have experience programming in Python, C++, or similar languages.
* Are able to obtain an interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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... * Have a Master's degree or Ph.D. in Robotics, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
* Have experience serving as a Technical Lead, Chief Engineer, Principal Investigator, or Project Manager on advanced technology programs.
* Have demonstrated experience leading systems engineering activities including requirements development, architecture definition, integration, verification, validation, and transition.
* Have experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies, including SysML and Digital Engineering practices.
* Have experience developing autonomous systems, robotic platforms, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV), maritime systems, or distributed autonomous systems.
* Have expertise in perception, SLAM, planning, controls, AI/ML, human-machine teaming, or multi-agent autonomy. 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 . 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 $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually