2026 Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Navigation, Controls, Hardwa

Are you looking for a career building deep expertise in a technical area critical to our national defense?

Do you wish to collaborate with and learn from some of the country's top vehicle navigation, controls, and simulation subject matter experts?

If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for newly graduating engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and scientists like you!

Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading next generation development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:

• Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
• Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
• Hardware/Software Development and Test
• Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We are seeking creative problem solvers with capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and supporting 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 on our team you will...

• Have the opportunity to pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
• Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics and sensors.
• Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
• Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
• Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.

Our team works on a set of subject areas that feed into the design of an autonomous system. The following sections provide some more background on those unique areas:

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

• We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
• Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems
• Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
• Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization

Modeling and Simulation

• We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
• Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
• Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
• Skills: Dynamics, software, algorithms, optimization

Hardware/Software Development and Testing

• We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
• Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems
• Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
• Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software, autonomous vehicle development

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Are passionate about creative problem solving and applying your skills to the design and development of our nation's next generation weapons and autonomous systems.
• Have academic background and interest in one or more of the technical areas listed above, that include Guidance, Navigation, and Control; Modeling and Simulation; Hardware/Software Development and Testing.
• Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C , Python, or other languages.
• 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...

Have proven internship experience or possess extensive classroom project work in a subject matter in any of the following areas:

• Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization, dynamics, software, hardware testing, embedded systems, autonomous vehicle development

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 athttp://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 contactAccommodations@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.