Autonomous Systems Embedded Software Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 10, 2026. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory scores B on the Alion truth index.
Are you an engineer that enjoys developing and fielding groundbreaking electronics systems?
In the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's (APL) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, hands-on engineering is applied to field tomorrow's groundbreaking solutions for government organizations. Dedicated, passionate multidisciplinary staff work side-by-side in the lab and in the field to build solutions to mission critical challenges. The people who work here embrace challenges, adapt to dynamic changing environments, and are continually looking to advance their technical and leadership skills. Our passion for engineering innovative solutions also applies to mentoring and coaching junior staff to continue to strengthen our impactful teams. Are you interested in being a member of our group? Join us at APL, a national leader in scientific research and development, and an employer that prioritizes innovation, impact, and personal development.
We are seeking engineers with technical backgrounds in embedded firmware design who enjoy working across traditional discipline boundaries - from embedded software development to integration, testing, and system-level validation - to help us rapidly field autonomous sensor systems. Successful candidates are comfortable owning technical problems from concept through deployment and ensuring complete systems operate reliably in the real-world. With your help, we will continue to develop systems that collect the information needed for our partners to complete their missions in some of the most austere environments around the globe.
As an Autonomous Systems Firmware Engineer you will...
- Design and develop sophisticated embedded systems, from system architecture through integration and test, for autonomous platforms operating in challenging environments.
- Develop and deploy real-time software and algorithms on embedded processors including bare-metal microprocessors, RTOS-based platforms, and embedded Linux systems to enable sensing, control, navigation, and autonomous operations.
- Specify, integrate, and validate commercial and custom hardware components - including sensors, actuators, cameras, navigation systems, and autopilots - into complete operational systems.
- Plan and execute laboratory and field testing, analyze system performance, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and drive design improvements using experimental and operational data.
- Document system designs, engineering analyses, and test results, and present technical work to project and design review teams.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualification for the job if you...
- Have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field of study.
- Have 3+ years of relevant experience with embedded systems, to include design, development, integration, and/or test of hardware/software systems.
- Have demonstrated an ability and willingness to multi-task across several projects and work independently in small teams while meeting quick turnaround demands.
- Are willing and able to work in classified laboratories and locations around the world to conduct field testing for 15% of your time.
- Can interact effectively with team members of different experience levels and backgrounds, including leadership of teams and projects.
- 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
- Have a Master's degree in Electrical or Computer engineering or related field of study
- Have 7+ years of related experience in industry or military
- Have demonstrated technical or project management leadership of sophisticated electro-mechanical systems
- Possess an active Top Secret clearance.
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 https://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 [email protected].
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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
Are you an engineer that enjoys developing and fielding groundbreaking electronics systems?
In the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's (APL) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, hands-on engineering is applied to field tomorrow's groundbreaking solutions for government organizations. Dedicated, passionate multidisciplinary staff work side-by-side in the lab and in the field to build solutions to mission critical challenges. The people who work here embrace challenges, adapt to dynamic changing environments, and are continually looking to advance their technical and leadership skills. Our passion for engineering innovative solutions also applies to mentoring and coaching junior staff to continue to strengthen our impactful teams. Are you interested in being a member of our group? Join us at APL, a national leader in scientific research and development, and an employer that prioritizes innovation, impact, and personal development.
We are seeking engineers with technical backgrounds in embedded firmware design who enjoy working across traditional discipline boundaries - from embedded software development to integration, testing, and system-level validation - to help us rapidly field autonomous sensor systems. Successful candidates are comfortable owning technical problems from concept through deployment and ensuring complete systems operate reliably in the real-world. With your help, we will continue to develop systems that collect the information needed for our partners to complete their missions in some of the most austere environments around the globe.
As an Autonomous Systems Firmware Engineer you will...
- Design and develop sophisticated embedded systems, from system architecture through integration and test, for autonomous platforms operating in challenging environments.
- Develop and deploy real-time software and algorithms on embedded processors including bare-metal microprocessors, RTOS-based platforms, and embedded Linux systems to enable sensing, control, navigation, and autonomous operations.
- Specify, integrate, and validate commercial and custom hardware components - including sensors, actuators, cameras, navigation systems, and autopilots - into complete operational systems.
- Plan and execute laboratory and field testing, analyze system performance, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and drive design improvements using experimental and operational data.
- Document system designs, engineering analyses, and test results, and present technical work to project and design review teams.
You meet our minimum qualification for the job if you...
- Have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field of study.
- Have 3+ years of relevant experience with embedded systems, to include design, development, integration, and/or test of hardware/software systems.
- Have demonstrated an ability and willingness to multi-task across several projects and work independently in small teams while meeting quick turnaround demands.
- Are willing and able to work in classified laboratories and locations around the world to conduct field testing for 15% of your time.
- Can interact effectively with team members of different experience levels and backgrounds, including leadership of teams and projects.
- 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
- Have a Master's degree in Electrical or Computer engineering or related field of study
- Have 7+ years of related experience in industry or military
- Have demonstrated technical or project management leadership of sophisticated electro-mechanical systems
- Possess an active Top Secret clearance.