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Do you have a passion for maritime robotics, autonomy, and AI?

Do you like to take ownership of technical problems, seek creative solutions, and want to see them to completion?

Are you looking to take on new and exciting challenges and work in a face-paced team environment?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineer to help the US Navy prototype and adopt new maritime robotics technologies for uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), uncrewed undersea vehicles (UUVs), and other robotic vehicles. In this role, you will have a direct impact on the Navy's biggest challenges as you apply your systems engineering, test, and team leadership skills to achieve the goals of APL prototype projects and modernize our sponsors' acquisition approach for autonomous systems. You will be joining a highly creative, adaptable, and success-driven group, where you will help us build on APL's legacy of scientific research and development and trusted service to the nation.

As a Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineer you will...

• Choose how best apply Systems Engineering best practices to autonomy, AI, and uncrewed vehicles, ranging from early prototypes to formal acquisition by the Navy and other sponsors.
• Ensure successful system development through mission decomposition and analysis, requirements definition, architecture development, and design trades.
• Design, coordinate, and execute testing of autonomous systems through software-in-the-loop Modeling and Simulation and in-water test.
• Use Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) throughout system development and implementation.
• Lead technical teams at APL who are prototyping software and hardware for maritime uncrewed systems. Develop and lead design reviews and coordinate development of technical reports and briefings.
• Collaborate with US Navy end users to understand their missions, needed features, and establish a basis of confidence in maritime autonomous systems.
• Work closely with partners in other research labs and industry to demonstrate uncrewed maritime vehicle capabilities.

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

• Have 7+ years of relevant Systems Engineering experience and bachelors in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field.
• Have experience developing and integrating uncrewed vehicles, autonomy software, and/or maritime systems.
• Have experience developing requirements, performing trade studies, managing system integration, and guiding test and evaluation.
• Have experience working with DOD or other government sponsors.
• Have familiarity with SysML and have experience in developing MBSE models applied to these systems.
• Possess outstanding organization and planning skills, social skills, and outstanding written and oral communications skills.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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...

• Have an M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Have experience developing, integrating, and testing software architectures or software test pipelines, leading scrums or software teams, and/or implementing Agile software acquisition and DevSecOps.
• Have applied your Systems Engineering and Test & Evaluation skills for the prototyping of US Navy USV, UUVs, or other US Navy uncrewed systems.

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 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

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 . Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.