PhD Graduate - Robotics Group

Overview

Join to apply for the 2026 PhD Graduate - Robotics Group role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
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Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr
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Are you passionate about pursuing groundbreaking research to solve today’s greatest challenges in robotics? Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems? Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team  you are graduating with a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, we would love to have you join our team!

The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team inventing the future across robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. Learn more apl.edu/isc.

We are seeking highly skilled scientists and engineers to take intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. Our multidisciplinary team focuses on robotics control, machine perception, AI, multi-agent teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design, with an emphasis on research that has real-world impact. Successful members tend to be creative problem solvers who are comfortable working at the edge of their technical comfort zone.

As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be defining and developing novel robotic concepts, systems, and algorithmic solutions to address relevant challenges. Current research areas include advanced robotic control, robot perception & reasoning, generative AI for robotic applications, novel robotic systems, human-robot teaming, multi-agent coordination, and safe/assured autonomy behaviors. Depending on expertise, you will develop and implement control algorithms and AI techniques, design and fabricate robotic systems, and lead research teams.

You will have the opportunity to publish your work and present results to the scientific community, external collaborators, and government sponsors. You may also propose and work on your own research ideas.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Have a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Have experience in robotics or robotics applications of AI, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or mathematics.
• Are able to obtain a DoD Secret-level security 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 experience developing, simulating, and demonstrating algorithms for control of robotic systems.
• Have experience developing AI/ML software that integrates with hardware such as robotic platforms, sensors, or medical devices.
• Have experience designing, fabricating, and integrating robotics hardware.
• Are skilled in one or more programming languages, particularly Python and C++.
• Have proficiency in robotics or AI libraries such as ROS, Tensor Flow, PyTorch, and OpenCV.

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. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with opportunities to grow and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. We celebrate diverse perspectives and encourage bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits including retirement contributions, education assistance, and a healthy work/life balance.

APL’s campus is in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Learn more about our career opportunities at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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, disability, veteran status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is…