Senior Hardware Engineer for Autonomous Systems

Description

Are you passionate about designing and building hardware systems that operate in real-world, mission-critical environments?

Do you enjoy turning advanced autonomy concepts into rugged, fieldable hardware platforms?

Are you excited to work on low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) systems that gather intelligence and enable effects in challenging environments?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ) within the Asymmetric Operations Sector (AOS).

We are seeking engineers to help us develop, implement and field mission-tailored autonomous systems that perform sensing, decision-making, and coordinated action in complex operational environments. These capabilities must ultimately be integrated into robust, compact, and operationally deployable hardware systems. We are seeking an experienced hardware engineer to help lead the design, development, integration, and test of next-generation autonomous platforms and subsystems.

As a member of our team...

• You will work closely with engineers, scientists, and program managers to develop mission-relevant autonomous systems and software applications for sponsors and end users in the defense and intelligence organizations.
• You will design, prototype, and integrate electrical and/or mechanical hardware systems for autonomous sensing and mission platforms.
• You will lead hardware architecture trades focused on SWaP optimization, environmental durability, power management, and integration.
• You will participate in system-level integration and test activities in lab and field environments.
• You will contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, technical documentation, and sponsor briefings.
• You will help transition hardware concepts from prototype to operationally viable systems.

Qualifications

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

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another technical field relevant to the duties as described above.
• Have at least 8 years of professional experience in hardware design and development.
• Have experience designing hardware systems for real-world applications, including prototype development and system integration.
• Are proficient in relevant hardware design tools (e.g., CAD for mechanical systems; schematic capture and PCB tools for electrical systems).
• Hold a Secret level security clearance, 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a Master's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Have experience designing low-SWaP systems for ISR, robotics, or autonomous platforms.
• Bring experience in systems engineering, including requirements development, interface control, verification planning, and risk management.
• Have demonstrated experience in technical project leadership or project management, including schedule, resource coordination, and milestone tracking.
• Have experience supporting hardware field testing in operational or austere environments.
• Have experience in soldering, PCB assembly, or harness design.
• Have familiarity with environmental qualification, ruggedization, or MIL-STD considerations.

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 http://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 Accommodations@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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually