Aeronautical Navigation Data & Mission Planning SME

Protingent; Lexington Park (MD); On-site; USD 56,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plan options (HDHP/POS)

Education/ certification reimbursement

Pre-tax commuter benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

401k plan

Job summary

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract-to-hire opportunity for an Aeronautical Navigation Data Quality & Mission Planning SME in Patuxent River, MD, onsite. This role focuses on ensuring naval aviation data integrity across avionics, mission planning systems, and data validation.

The candidate should have a BS in engineering with 5+ years of hands-on experience, knowledge of DAFIF/ARINC 424, and strong collaboration skills with Navy stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline (including math or computer science).
• 5+ years of hands-on technical experience in aeronautical/navigation domains.
• Domain knowledge of Navy mission planning systems and aircraft navigation systems.
• Data formats and standards awareness (DAFIF, ARINC 424, aircraft binary formats).
• Experience with software requirements analysis and testing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Integrate aeronautical data into military aircraft and mission planning systems for Performance-Based Navigation (PBN).
• Trace, evaluate, and analyze the aeronautical data chain from source to cockpit usage.
• Perform rigorous data validation to ensure accuracy for naval aviation mission planning.
• Conduct systems and software requirements analysis and integration on avionics hardware/software.
• Collaborate with flight test teams, software engineers, and Navy stakeholders to fix navigation data issues.

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SQL querying

MS Access VBA

Job description

Position Title: Aeronautical Navigation Data & Mission Planning SME

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract-to-hire opportunity for an Aeronautical Navigation Data Quality & Mission Planning SME with our client located in Patuxent River, Maryland (Onsite).

Position Description:

Are you annoyed when your map app gives you bad directions? Join a cutting-edge Navy Aeronautical data team ensuring Naval aircraft never experience bad navigation advice in the cockpit. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of avionics integration, mission planning systems, and data validation, serving as a key subject matter expert to protect the integrity of the naval aeronautical data chain.

Job Responsibilities:

• Aeronautical Data Integration: Assist with the seamless integration of aeronautical data into military aircraft and mission planning systems to support Performance-Based Navigation (PBN).
• Data Chain Analysis: Evaluate, trace, and analyze the complete aeronautical data chain from raw source inputs to the final point of operational use in the cockpit.
• Data Validation & Verification: Perform rigorous aeronautical data validation to ensure accuracy, compliance, and reliability for critical naval aviation mission planning.
• Systems & Software Integration: Conduct systems and software requirements analysis, design, and systems integration on medium to high-complexity aircraft avionics hardware/software systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with flight test teams, software engineers, and Navy stakeholders to troubleshoot navigation data anomalies and improve system performance.

Job Qualifications Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline (including math or computer science) plus 5 or more years of hands-on technical experience.
• Domain Knowledge: Direct experience working with Navy mission planning systems and a strong working knowledge of aircraft navigation and related avionics systems.
• Data Standards: Functional understanding of aeronautical data formats, including DAFIF, ARINC 424, and aircraft binary formats.
• Technical & Software Skills: Familiarity with software programming languages, software testing methodologies, and systems/software requirements analysis.
• Communication: Excellent technical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Aviation Background: Operational experience as a military/civilian pilot, aircraft navigator, or air traffic control specialist.
• Regulatory & Process Expertise: In-depth knowledge of DO-200/201 data processing requirements and standards.
• Specialized Training: Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) training.
• Database & Scripting: Practical familiarity with SQL database querying and Microsoft Access VBA.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
• Pay Rate Range: $41/hr-$62.50/hr
• Location: Patuxent River, MD (Onsite).
• Required US Citizenship - May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level.

Benefits Package:

Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO), and an administered 401k plan.

About Protingent:

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.