Robotics Software Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

Description
Are you passionate about contributing to solving today's greatest challenges in robotics?
Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems?
Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. You can learn more about us at www.jhuapl.edu/isc.
We are seeking highly skilled, highly motivated engineers and computer scientists to join us in taking intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on groundbreaking impacts in the areas of robotics control, agentic AI, human-robot and robot-robot teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design. Our team is committed to excellence in research and exploratory development that has real-world impact. Successful members of our team tend to be creative problem solvers who are comfortable working at the edge of their comfort zone.
As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be developing and integrating robotics systems, hardware, and software to address relevant challenges. You will team with APL researchers to advance our research vision within the broader scope of intelligent systems for applications of national importance. Current research areas include robot adaptive perception and reasoning, trajectory planning and advanced control, enhanced mobility, novel robotic systems, human-machine teaming, multi-agent coordination, and safe and assured autonomy behaviors. Depending on your expertise, you will develop and implement control algorithms and AI techniques, support experimentation in operational environments, design and fabricate bespoke robots and mechanisms, and integrate robotic systems.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field with a focus on robotics.
• Have 2+ years of experience working with design, integration, test & evaluation, hardware development, or software development for robotic systems.
• Have proven ability in solving engineering problems and identifying possible solutions.
• Are willing and able to travel to support field experiments in operationally-relevant test exercises.
• Are able to obtain a Secret security 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...

• Possess a Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field with a focus on robotics.
• Have strong software development skills, particularly experience with ROS2.
• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills.

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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually