Navigation Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic, creative Senior Navigation Engineer to join our team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). You will help assess the performance of weapon systems under development and influence future missile systems programs. As a Subject Matter Expert, you will design and analyze navigation systems for critical platforms including hypersonics, cruise missiles, submarines, and autonomous flight vehicles. This role involves working with inertial measurement units (IMUs), GPS, terrain mapping sensors, and collaborating with multiple sponsors to develop practical GPS alternatives in hardware and software environments.

You will mentor junior staff, use simulations to predict system behavior, analyze contractor designs, and develop relationships with DoD sponsors to execute new Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze navigation systems, including strapdown algorithms and aiding filters fusing measurements from multiple sensors (IMU, GPS, terrain mapping sensors).
• Mentor junior staff to maintain deep knowledge across GPS aiding and inertial navigation.
• Use simulations (Monte Carlo and covariance-based methods) to predict system behavior, risks, and perform high-level system trades.
• Analyze and assess contractor designs to assist DoD program offices throughout the acquisition cycle.
• Interface with the contractor community to design and build operational weapon systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with DoD sponsors and stakeholders to conceive, plan, and execute new PNT initiatives.
• Travel up to approximately 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of proven experience with navigation systems.
• Experience in design and analysis of inertial navigation systems, sensor fusion, state estimation via Kalman or other optimal filtering algorithms, or navigation simulation and model development.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Willingness and ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately a Top Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience leading navigation system design or analysis activities.
• Background in guidance and control systems or 6 degree-of-freedom modeling and simulation.
• Hands-on experience with navigation hardware, including IMUs, GPS receivers, and GPS emulators.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We foster a collaborative and innovative culture where employees can grow, build strong connections, and contribute to impactful work. APL offers generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Pay

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

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. APL may offer bonuses, sign-on bonuses, relocation benefits, locality allowances, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Education assistance and training/development opportunities.