Robotics Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Are you excited about developing software that enables autonomous underwater vehicles to operate in challenging real-world environments?

Do you enjoy combining robotics, dynamics, controls, and software engineering to solve complex mission problems?

If so, the Maritime Robotics Group is looking for an early-career Subsea Robotics Engineer to join our Modeling and Control team.

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

Our mission is to develop, integrate, test, and deploy advanced robotic capabilities that provide our nation with an advantage in autonomous maritime systems. We build software that enables autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles to navigate, maneuver, interact with their environment, and accomplish challenging operational missions. Our work spans simulation, controls, autonomy, system integration, laboratory testing, and at-sea experimentation, with an emphasis on delivering robust capabilities that transition to operational systems.

As a member of our team, you will work closely with robotics, software, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineers to develop and deploy advanced underwater robotic systems.

As a Subsea Robotics Engineer, you will:

• Develop robotics software for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and other subsea robotic systems using ROS 2.
• Design, implement, and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux-based systems.
• Develop and integrate dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, and autonomy algorithms for underwater robotic platforms.
• Build high-fidelity simulation environments and modeling tools to support software development, system integration, and mission planning.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and vehicle subsystems into robust robotic software architectures.
• Evaluate vehicle performance through simulation, laboratory testing, and field experiments, using collected data to improve system performance.
• Support integration and testing of robotic systems in laboratory, pool, and at-sea environments.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to transition software from development into operational robotic systems

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have experience developing robotic software using ROS 2.
• Have experience developing software on Linux.
• Are proficient in Python and C++.
• Have experience developing, implementing, or testing dynamic systems, feedback control algorithms, robotic simulation, or autonomous systems through coursework, research projects, internships, or professional experience.
• Have familiarity with software engineering best practices, including Git-based version control, debugging, testing, and documentation.
• Enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret 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 Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have experience developing dynamics, controls, guidance, navigation, or autonomy software for robotic systems.
• Have experience modeling and simulating robotic or autonomous systems using Gazebo, Ignition, Stonefish, Isaac Sim, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
• Have experience integrating robotic sensors such as IMUs, DVLs, sonars, cameras, pressure sensors, or manipulators.
• Have experience with state estimation, system identification, trajectory generation, optimization, or motion planning.
• Have experience with containerized software development, continuous integration, or modern DevSecOps workflows.
• Have participated in field testing, vehicle integration, or deployment of robotic systems.
• Have demonstrated initiative in developing new technical capabilities or leading engineering efforts.

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 athttps://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