Maritime Systems Test Engineer — Columbia, MD at Johns

About the Role

Are you interested in supporting the Navy's next generation of maritime systems through hands-on field testing and operational evaluation? The Maritime Systems Test Engineer role at APL is designed to lead the planning and execution of tests for maritime vehicles, combining technical assessment with field operations across laboratory, simulation, and at-sea environments.

This position is critical to supporting rapid prototyping, system integration, and field experimentation for emerging maritime technologies. You will operate in a highly collaborative, agile rapid-prototyping environment, accelerating the development, testing, and operational transition of groundbreaking self-guided maritime systems. Your work will directly influence how autonomous systems are evaluated against mission objectives and technical requirements in real-world conditions.

About the Team

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to the 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 differences of perspective 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.

Hiring Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 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, and you must be able to obtain an Interim Secret-level security clearance by your start date, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a Secret clearance.

Equal Opportunity

APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. 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.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Scaggsville Road, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, 20723, United States

Columbia, Maryland

Key Responsibilities

check_circlePlan field test events for maritime systems
check_circleDevelop and refine test plans, procedures, and standard operating procedures
check_circleLead field operations including equipment transportation and security compliance
check_circleConduct operational readiness, safety, and compliance activities for test operations
check_circleCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify and mitigate technical risks
check_circleConduct technical analysis and document test execution and system performance
check_circleSupport integration of autonomous systems in laboratory and operational environments
check_circleManage test asset preparation, scheduling, and configuration management

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or comparable technical field
verifiedExperience performing field testing for autonomous, robotic, or maritime systems
verifiedExperience developing technical documentation including test plans, operational procedures, or system reports
verifiedExperience leading field tests including test logistics, safety compliance, operational readiness, or range coordination
verifiedExperience working with DoD test ranges, maritime regulatory organizations, or U.S. Coast Guard
verifiedAbility to obtain Interim Secret-level security clearance by start date and ultimate Secret clearance
verifiedU.S. citizenship
verifiedWillingness and ability to travel up to 25% of time

Nice to Have

Experience with autonomy software, robotics systems, simulation environments, or modeling and simulation tools. Experience with verification and validation (V&V) methodologies for autonomous or safety-critical systems. Experience integrating or evaluating autonomous maritime platforms, sensors, payloads, or mission systems. Experience supporting simulation-informed test and evaluation activities. Experience with data analysis, scripting, or technical software tools such as Python, MATLAB, ROS, or similar frameworks. Experience with maritime safety, hazardous materials handling, and operational compliance processes. Experience working with classified systems in test or operational environments. Experience leading complex at-sea test events for autonomous systems. Hold an active Secret clearance.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleRobust education assistance programcheck_circleUnparalleled retirement contributionscheck_circlePaid time offcheck_circleFlexible spending accountsTraining and development opportunities

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Python, Matlab, Ros, Modeling And Simulation, Verification And Validation, Hazardous Materials Handling, Security Clearance.

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a technical field.

Frequently asked questions about Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

What does a Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory will plan field test events for maritime systems; develop and refine test plans, procedures, and standard operating procedures; lead field operations including equipment transportation and security compliance; and conduct operational readiness, safety, and compliance activities for test operations.

What are the requirements for this Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance role?expand_more

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or comparable technical field; Experience performing field testing for autonomous, robotic, or maritime systems; Experience developing technical documentation including test plans, operational procedures, or system reports; Experience leading field tests including test logistics, safety compliance, operational readiness, or range coordination; Experience working with DoD test ranges, maritime regulatory organizations, or U.S. Coast Guard; and Ability to obtain Interim Secret-level security clearance by start date and ultimate Secret clearance.

Where is the Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located?expand_more

Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is based in Scaggsville Road, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, 20723, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has listed this Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance role?expand_more

Candidates for Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory should have mid level.

What skills do you need for the Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?expand_more

Key skills for Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory include Python; Matlab; Ros; Modeling And Simulation; Verification And Validation; Hazardous Materials Handling; and Security Clearance.

What education is required for Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a technical field.

What category does the Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance role belong to?expand_more

Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.

Maritime Systems Test Engineer with Security Clearance