Uncrewed Systems Mechanical Engineer - Maritime Robotics Group

Are you searching for challenging mechanical engineering and design work?
Do you have experience working with uncrewed/autonomous vehicles, subsea systems, or maritime robotics?
Do you thrive in an environment where you can take part in turning prototype designs into reality?

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

We are seeking a Senior Uncrewed Systems Mechanical Engineer to help design, model, fabricate, integrate and test a variety of underwater robotic systems for both crewed and uncrewed platforms. You will be joining a team of dedicated engineers developing systems for our nation’s warfighters. Our team is committed to developing innovative solutions to the Navy’s toughest maritime problems.

As a Senior Uncrewed Systems Mechanical Engineer your primary responsibilities will include…

• Serving as an unmanned systems and mechanical engineering subject matter expert for a large maritime robotics group.
• Working with engineers across all disciplines to conduct both local and remote testing of air, surface and/or underwater systems.
• Leading large, hands-on, mechanical engineering projects with a team of mechanical, electrical and systems engineers.
• Leading field tests, test and evaluation events, and demonstrations, associated with uncrewed systems and other prototypes.
• Manufacturing, assembling and integrating electronics and hardware onto prototype systems and Naval platforms for testing and evaluation.
• Designing and analyzing mechanical systems using CAD tools and other modeling/design tools as needed (i.e. Solidworks, Creo Parametric, ANSYS).
• Developing technical data packages and test plans for complex mechanical systems, to include design, fabrication, conducting analysis and testing of the systems to meet industry and Navy standards. As well as supporting and coordinating design reviews and briefing materials for presentations to all levels of staff and Government agencies.
• Working closely with APL electrical engineers, systems engineers, software engineers, fabrication shops and external vendors to ensure project requirements and deadlines are met.

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

• Possess a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, Robotics or related fields.
• Have 8 or more years of experience designing, manufacturing, integrating and/or testing uncrewed, autonomous and/or robotic systems to meet industry and/or government standards.
• Have experience with Computer Aided Design software (i.e. SolidWorks, CREO), stress/thermal analysis using finite element tools, and an understanding of modeling and manufacturing processes.
• Have served as a technical lead, principal investigator, or project manager for a team that was tasked with developing a complex uncrewed system, payload, and/or robotic system
• Have demonstrated initiative and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment with tight delivery schedules on different systems that operate on land, sea or air. 
• Are willing to support both local and remote field testing 10-25% of the time.
• Are able to quickly learn and develop new skills to support novel engineering efforts.
• Are able to take a system through the Life-Cycle process, from concept design to delivery. 
• Are able to effectively work and communicate orally and in writing with other engineers, scientists, and technicians teams.

• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI 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...

• A MS or PhD in Mechanical, Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, Robotics or related field.
• 10 or more years of experience with design, modeling, and integration of uncrewed vehicles (UxVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), undersea sensors, autonomous systems, or complex robotic systems. 
• Have experience with stress or thermal analysis using finite element software packages (i.e. ANSYS, COMSOL), physics-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software (i.e. OrcaFlex), MATLAB, ROS, Python, C++ or other related software packages.
• Experience with the NAVSEA Temporary Alteration Design Package development or other detailed Technical Data Packages for government organizations. 
• Experience providing technical direction and oversight for large project teams. 
• An active Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI security clearance.

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  .

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.