Sr. Principal Inertial Systems Engineer (Gyroscope Technologies)

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation is a global Aerospace and Defense supplier and a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. With over a century of expertise, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide for sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

About the role

Provides advanced technical leadership, guidance, and hands-on expertise in the design, integration, testing, and performance optimization of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and related inertial navigation components. This role supports engineering teams, product development, algorithm design, and customer-facing technical discussions, ensuring high-accuracy inertial sensing solutions across a variety of platforms.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical authority on IMU technologies, architectures, and performance characteristics.
• Provide guidance on IMU selection, calibration, error modeling, sensor fusion, and environmental considerations.
• Evaluate and compare IMU performance across Resonating Gyroscopes and Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs).
• Support integration of IMUs into navigation, guidance, positioning, or stabilization systems.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop algorithms for sensor fusion (e.g., INS/GPS, EKF, UKF).
• Assist in defining system-level requirements, specifications, and performance thresholds.
• Implement software, firmware, and electronics to achieve integrated products.
• Provide detailed technical documentation, white papers, and reports.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert during customer briefings, design reviews, and program meetings.
• Translate complex IMU concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
• Assist in proposal development and provide subject matter expertise for R&D efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Robotics, or related field.
• 15-20 years of IMU development experience.
• Technical leadership on significant design activities.
• Participated in or led multiple development efforts (well-rounded and experienced).
• Full development cycle experience: Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Qualify, Transition to Production, Fielding.
• Experience in resonating gyros preferred; fiber optic gyros a secondary preference.
• Expert knowledge of sensor physics, first principles, algorithms, control loops, adaptations, refinements—recognized as a leader in the field for the organization.
• Implementation of software, firmware, and electronics to achieve integrated products.
• Proven track record in the delivery of successful IMU products.
• Strong team player with proficiency in mentoring.
• Innovative problem solver.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Pay

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $165,000 - $195,000 annually. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Paid vacation and sick days.
• Paid holidays.
• 9/80 work week with every other Friday off.
• Monthly employee events celebrating workplace culture.