Sr. Principal Inertial Systems Engineer (Gyroscope Technologies)

About the role

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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, FOG's.
• System Integration & Engineering 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).
• Aid in defining system-level requirements, specifications, and performance thresholds.
• Product Development & Support Implementation of SW, Firmware, and electronics to achieve integrated products.
• Provide detailed technical documentation, white papers, and reports.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement Act as a technical SME 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Robotics, or related field
• 15-20 years IMU development experience
• Technical leadership on significant design activities
• Participated in or led multiple development efforts (well-rounded and experienced)
• Full development cycle: 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 – leader in field for the organization
• Implementation of SW, Firmware, and electronics to achieve integrated products
• Proven track record on delivery of successful IMU products
• Team player; proficient at mentoring
• Innovative problem solver

Soft 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
• A 401(k) plan with company match
• Tuition assistance
• Paid vacation and sick days
• Paid holidays
• A 9/80 work week with every other Friday off

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity in our workplace. We are committed to creating a workplace that embraces and values all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.