2026 Internship - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simulation

Do you thrive on solving tough problems and applying your skills to real-world, high-impact challenges?

Are you passionate about crafting, analyzing, simulating, and prototyping innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?

If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Control (GNC), and Seekers Group is searching for driven interns who are pursuing degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science to jump in and tackle a wide range of technical challenges! Our group is a national leader in the development, design, and prototyping of advanced hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, guided projectiles, and autonomous flight vehicles-all critical to our nation's defense.

In line with our dedication to building outstanding talent and fueling a culture of bold innovation, you'll gain hands-on experience, sharpen your expertise, and make a real impact as a key member of our team.

As an intern, you will...

• Contribute to cutting-edge designs and groundbreaking research in autonomous systems that support vital national security programs.
• Build, test, and refine advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis tools.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and engage directly with government sponsors.
• Develop expertise in one or more of the following exciting technical areas:

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)

• Our focus: Providing top-tier knowledge throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle-collaborating with contractors and spearheading the development of our proprietary prototype systems.
• Types of work: Drive advanced algorithm research and development and apply algorithms to real-world flight test systems.
• Skills you'll use and grow: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization.

Radio Frequency and Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensors (RF & EO/IR)

• Our focus: Developing innovative sensor solutions that invent the future of autonomous systems and weapons.
• Types of work: RF and EO/IR sensor design, performance analysis, modeling & simulation, and signal processing.
• Skills you'll use and grow: Electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding.

Modeling and Simulation (M&S)

• Our focus: Developing multi-physics simulations to innovate new ideas and address intricate build challenges.
• Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design, optimization and analysis, physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture.
• Skills you'll use and grow: Dynamics, coding, algorithms, optimization, software development, AI, machine learning.

Hardware/Software Development and Testing

• Our focus: Advance hardware and software through rigorous testing, characterization, and real-world prototyping.
• Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems advancing toward flight tests.
• Skills you'll use and grow: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software.

Bring your curiosity, energy, and drive-and help shape the future of autonomous systems!

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

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.

• Have prior internship experience, hobbies, or class project work related to your technical area(s) of interest. Relevant skill areas include those outlined in the description, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC); Radio Frequency (RF) or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors; Modeling and Simulation (M&S); and Hardware/Software Development and Testing.

• Have experience in coding C++, Python, Matlab/Simulink, or other languages.
• Have a curiosity and appetite for exploring and solving hard problems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.

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 http://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 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.