Senior AI and Autonomy Software Architect

Are you interested in working in multi-disciplinary teams to advance the state-of-the-art in autonomous systems, uncrewed air systems, artificial intelligence, software design, embedded systems, virtual reality, and simulation?

Are you interested in applying your skills to conceive, design, prototype and test new capabilities in intelligent autonomous systems that will save US warfighter's lives and ensure our nation's preeminence?

If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, we are looking for someone like you to join our team in the Intelligent Combat Systems Group at APL!

Who are we?

We are the Intelligent Combat Systems Group, and our mission focus is to ensure our Nation maintains the operational advantage on the future battlefield through foundational advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming and novel autonomous aircraft (e.g. drones) design and testing. We believe the future of warfare will be defined by intelligent autonomous systems capable of fighting with machine precision at machine speeds. Whether it is developing the intelligence that drives autonomous wingmen behaviors, integrated real-time collaboration tools and data analytic architectures, or novel AI design tools and software, the Intelligent Combat Systems Group is at the forefront. Three of our recent monumental projects (DARPA Air Combat Evolution, AFRL Golden Horde, and Air Force SkyBorg) are featured in recent news articles, highlighting our impact and innovation.

We are seeking inquisitive and creative team members who like to tackle challenging problems to help us build the next generation of autonomous combat systems and shape the future of warfare. Our team is an entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary team committed to developing technical talent, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, while having fun with what we do!

As a Senior Software Architect, you will:

• Lead the technical design and architecture of complex, mission-critical software systems, from concept through deployment.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to software engineering teams, guiding them in creating robust, scalable, and maintainable solutions.
• Translate high-level system requirements and operational concepts into concrete software architectures, defining interfaces, components, and data flows.
• Establish and champion software engineering best practices, including design patterns, coding standards, peer review processes, and automated testing strategies.
• Develop prototypes, core components, and reference implementations to prove out architectural concepts and mitigate technical risk early in the development lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary technical authority on projects, making critical design decisions and ensuring the technical integrity of the final product.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technology stacks, libraries, and COTS/FOSS solutions, providing clear justification for architectural choices.

You meet the minimum requirements for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or software architecture role.
• Possess demonstrated expertise in programming paradigms (e.g., model-view-controller, object-oriented design, etc.) and development using modern C/C++ in a Linux or Windows environment.
• Have a proven track record of architecting and delivering complex, multi-component software systems.
• Possess excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical designs to both engineering teams and project stakeholders.
• Have deep experience with the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, and integration.
• Have demonstrated experience with implementing modern DevOps pipelines and related software toolsets (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 10+ years of relevant experience and an M.S. in Computer Science or a related field.
• Have experience designing software for real-time systems, signal/image processing, data fusion, or other data-intensive applications.
• Possess hands-on experience with performance optimization, parallel processing, or GPU programming (e.g., CUDA, OpenCL).
• Have experience with formal architecture modeling using UML or SysML.
• Demonstrate a track record of defining and improving software development processes, quality standards, and configuration management plans for a team.
• Have experience with a broad range of technologies, including network protocols (TCP/IP, RTP/RTSP), embedded systems, or cloud-native architectures.
• Hold an active TS/SCI level 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 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.