2027 Graduate - Navigation Prototyping and Analysis Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks inquisitive engineers and mathematicians to analyze system performance and take problems from algorithm to fielded prototypes in navigation, hypersonic re-entry, and long-range missile technologies.

As a navigation prototyping and analysis engineer you will implement/ analyze algorithms for communication, telemetry, and radio navigation signals, dig into real‑world data, and translate findings into actionable recommendations

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Physics.
• Knowledgeable in physics-based analysis or embedded design.
• Proficient in MATLAB, C++, or Python.
• Strong communication and collaboration with technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Implement or analyze signal processing algorithms for communication, telemetry, and radio navigation signals.
• Analyze signals from real-world environments and experiments.
• Evaluate GPS/GNSS tech via prototype, test, and analysis, translating results into recommendations.
• Deploy algorithms to prototype systems and improve them through analysis.
• Collaborate to test, demonstrate, and analyze systems in live field tests.

Skills

MATLAB

C++

Python

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Physics

Job description

Description

Are you a self‑motivated engineer who wants to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of the nation's defenses to support next generation hypersonic missile and re‑entry systems, as well as undersea platforms?

Are you passionate about working with collaborative and dedicated teams that move ideas to prototypes and analyze real world data to address navigation challenges with real impact?

If you are graduating with a degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Physics or Mathematics and are interested in applying embedded systems or mathematical analysis to tackle national security problems with hardware prototypes and detailed analysis, we'd love to have you on our team!

We are seeking inquisitive engineers and mathematicians to analyze system performance and take problems from algorithm to fielded prototypes in areas of contested navigation, hypersonic re‑entry, and long‑range missile technologies. We will share our knowledge in navigation, signal processing, digital design, hardware design, and physics‑based analysis to help you contribute to solving real design challenges, continuously improving on the state of the art!

As a navigation prototyping and analysis engineer you will…

• Implement or analyze sophisticated signal processing algorithms for various types of communication, telemetry, and radio navigation signals
• Dig deep to analyze signals collected from real‑world environments and experimental tests
• Evaluate emerging GPS and GNSS technology (e.g., GPS modernization, contested‑environment operation, alternate navigation options) through prototype, test, and analysis, and translate into recommendations
• Make meaningful contributions as you deploy your algorithms and concepts to prototype systems and improve them through insightful analysis
• Collaborate to test, demonstrate, and analyze systems in live field tests

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Physics
• Are knowledgeable in physics‑based analysis or embedded design
• Are proficient in MATLAB, C++, or Python
• Have strong communication skills and effectively connect with technical team members and leaders
• Are collaborative and passionate about and capable of learning new technologies and working with or analyzing the performance of embedded systems and navigation sensors
• Are willing and able to support travel of an average of three weeks per year
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top 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.

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

• Have studied digital design, digital signal processing, or communications engineering
• Have experience implementing algorithms with hardware platforms or embedded systems
• Are familiar with satellite navigation like GPS or other radio navigation technology
• Have experience with software development processes

About Us

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.

• robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• healthy work/life balance

APL's campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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.

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 [e-mail].

APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package.

• retirement plans
• paid time off
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short‑term disability
• long‑term disability
• flexible spending accounts
• education assistance
• training and development

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually