Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Subsea Robotics Engineer - Maritime Robotics

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Experience with ROS 2 for robotic software development
  • Proficient in Python and C++
  • Experience with Linux environments
  • Familiarity with software engineering best practices including version control
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship

Responsibilities

  • Develop software for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) using ROS 2
  • Design and maintain modular software in C++ and Python on Linux
  • Integrate dynamics and control algorithms for underwater robotics
  • Build simulation environments to support software and system development
  • Integrate various sensors and subsystems into robotic software architectures
  • Evaluate vehicle performance through testing and simulations
  • Collaborate across teams to transition software into operational systems

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge underwater robotics
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
  • Gaining experience in real-world autonomous systems
  • Potential for personal development and technical growth
  • Involvement in hands-on testing in diverse environments
Full Job Description
Description

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.

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 member of our team, 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.

Qualifications

You will 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 a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
  • 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 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.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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