Uncrewed Air System Test and Hardware Loop Engineer

Uncrewed Air System Test and Hardware in the Loop Engineer

Join to apply for the Uncrewed Air System Test and Hardware in the Loop Engineer role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

Base pay range: $100,000 - $227,500 per year.

Are you interested in working in multi‑disciplinary teams to advance autonomous systems, UAS, AI, software design, embedded systems, VR, and simulation? If so, we are looking for someone to join our Intelligent Combat Systems Group at APL.

We are the Intelligent Combat Systems Group, focused on ensuring national operational advantage through advances in AI, autonomy, man‑tended/unmanned teaming, and novel unmanned aircraft design and testing. Our recent projects include DARPA Air Combat Evolution, AFRL Golden Horde, and Air Force Sky Borg.

We seek inquisitive, creative team members who tackle ambitious problems and build next‑generation autonomous combat systems. Our culture is entrepreneurial, multidisciplinary, and collaborative while having fun.

• Select, modify, and integrate instrumentation on UAS to collect test data (e.g., aerodynamic, temperature, vibration) for prototype development.
• Set up and operate instrumentation and data acquisition systems; support flight test operations and analyze data to identify trends and support design iterations.
• Design, develop, and implement real‑time, closed‑loop hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) capabilities.
• Design, develop, integrate, and test vehicle software, firmware, and hardware with a multi‑discipline team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with data acquisition for robotic, aerospace, or unmanned systems.
• Proficiency in scripting (Python, Bash) for test automation, data parsing, and network analysis.
• Proficiency with Linux.
• Experience designing or integrating hardware and software, or HWIL experience.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a build‑and‑test mindset.
• Eligible to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by start date and to ultimately obtain TS/SCI clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

• MS or higher in relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years in a Test and Evaluation environment for defense or aerospace systems.
• Experience with microcontrollers and control system design.
• Experience in UI design or front‑end development.
• Proficiency with LabVIEW.
• Familiarity with networking and long‑range low‑power communication protocols.
• Experience with UAS flight controllers and ground control station software (e.g., PX4, Ardu Pilot, Mission Planner, QGround
  
  Control).
• Experience performing air vehicle 6-DOF simulation design and analysis and HWIL simulation.
• Experience supporting pre‑flight performance assessment and post‑flight verification.
• Experience with flight software integration and verification.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

APL brings world‑class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges.

We offer a vibrant, welcoming culture that celebrates diverse perspectives and encourages bold ideas. Employees enjoy generous benefits, education assistance, retirement contributions, and work‑life balance.

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.