2025 PhD Graduate - Ocean Engineer / Naval Architect

Are you interested in cutting-edge design of crewed and autonomous marine vehicles?

Do you have experience or training in hydrodynamics, marine dynamics, or maritime control?

If so, the Maritime Robotics Group (KMM) is looking for a newly-graduated ocean engineer or naval architect to join our team. Our goal is to ensure that our nation has an advantage in autonomous systems through research, development, and deployment of next generation technologies for maritime vehicles. We do this by providing world-class analysis and design solutions focusing on multiple areas that include:

• Maritime dynamics
• Development of novel vessels
• Assessment of existing vessels
• Modeling and Simulation
• Model-Based Control

We are seeking creative problem solvers with a passion for the maritime domain to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), submarines, boats, ships, and more. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and fostering a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies. 

As a member of our team, you will be able to:

• Compute maritime vessel dynamics, for surface and submerged craft using both custom modeling and simulation frameworks and industry tools such as OrcaFlex
• Execute clean-sheet design of innovative new systems including outer mold line shaping, control surface sizing, and propulsion design
• Predict maneuvering performance in all six degrees of freedom for both surface and submerged vessels at various levels of fidelity – from first principles to CFD
• Use test and sea trial data to build or augment existing maritime dynamics models using systems identification approaches
• Generate seakeeping predictions using potential flow solvers such as WAMIT, OrcaWave, and others
• Develop control algorithms for maritime vehicles for maneuvering, hovering, station keeping, and other operations

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

• Have a Ph.D. in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or similar
• Have classroom experience in one or more of our core skills: dynamics, maneuvering, seakeeping, and maritime control
• Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding using Matlab/Simulink, Python, and/or C
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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...

• Are experienced in proposing new ideas for research and development
• Have intern experience developing and analyzing dynamics and control of maritime systems
• Have experience with multiphase unsteady CFD analysis using tools such as STAR-CCM , Fluent, and/or OpenFOAM
• Have experience simulating coupled system-of-systems dynamics using OpenFOAM
• Have a track record of publishing research in scholarly journals or conferences

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.

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000