Geophysical Navigation Engineer

NCSL International; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Huntsville, AL seeks a Geophysical Navigation Engineer to advance alternative navigation using magnetic and gravity fields and other geo-physical sources. You will work in small teams to develop sensor fusion, calibration, and real-time navigation algorithms for GPS-denied environments.

Responsibilities include handling real-world sensor data, testing on demonstration hardware, and presenting results to customers, with travel a few times per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an advanced technical field and 4+ years of experience or master’s degree with 2+ years of experience.
• 2+ years of experience with sensor fusion algorithms: EKF, UKF, particle filters, or factor graphs.
• Programming experience in MATLAB.
• US citizenship with ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for real-time GPS-denied navigation.
• Navigate a variety of platforms (aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, pedestrians).
• Use multiple sensor fusion algorithms (EKF, UKF, particle filters, factor graphs).
• Fuse simulated and real-world sensor inputs (inertial, GPS, magnetometers, altimeters, DVLs, radios).
• Develop filter error models and covariance analyses to predict performance.
• Develop calibration algorithms for geophysical signals on real-world platforms.
• Collaborate in a small team to test algorithms on demonstration hardware.
• Travel for demonstrations 1–2 weeks, 3–4 times per year.
• Present techniques and results to team and customers.

Skills

Sensor fusion

Real-time navigation

Machine learning basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Master's degree

Tools

MATLAB

C++

Python

Git

Subversion

Linux

Job description

Serve as a Geophysical Navigation Engineer for the Leidos Contested Autonomy and Navigation Branch in Huntsville, AL. Our team’s mission is to: (1) develop and demonstrate new alternative navigation technologies to meet urgent military operational needs to operate in GPS‑challenged environments, and (2) rapidly transition this technology to operational platforms to outpace the adversary threats currently being faced in the field. This role will focus on alternative navigation systems relying on magnetic and gravity fields as well as other geo‑physical sources. Projects involve small teams of engineers working together in spiral or agile development environments to meet aggressive customer schedules aimed at near‑term field demonstrations of emerging capabilities. Our core competencies include sensor fusion, geophysical correlation, computer vision, HW/SW integration, and machine learning. Typical customers include Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) engineering centers, Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). We are looking for a candidate who is interested in performing challenging technical work, working with small teams of engineers, and supporting new business activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for real‑time GPS‑denied navigation.
• Navigate a variety of platforms, including aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Use multiple sensor fusion algorithms, including extended Kalman filters, unscented Kalman filters, particle filters, and factor graphs.
• Fuse simulated and real‑world sensor inputs including inertial sensors, GPS, magnetometers, altimeters, Doppler Velocity Logs, ranging radios, etc.
• Develop filter error models to accurately reflect uncertainty in sensor measurements and map fidelity.
• Perform covariance analyses to predict expected system performance for a variety of sensor combinations and design reference missions.
• Develop calibration algorithms to enable systems to sense the desired geophysical signal while onboard platforms operating in real‑world environments.
• Work within a team of 3‑5 engineers to test algorithms on demonstration hardware.
• Travel with the team to demonstrate systems in real‑world conditions; typically lasts 1‑2 weeks and occurs 3‑4 times a year.
• Present techniques, solutions, and results to the team and to customers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an advanced technical field (electrical engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent) and 4+ years of prior relevant experience or master’s degree with 2+ years of prior relevant experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience with one or more sensor fusion algorithms: extended Kalman filters, unscented Kalman filters, particle filters, or factor graphs.
• Programming & analysis experience in MATLAB.
• US Citizen able to obtain & maintain a Secret security clearance after hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD Degree in one of the majors listed above.
• Experience with one or more of the sensors listed above, especially inertial sensors.
• Experience with geophysical map‑matching algorithms and correlation techniques.
• Experience with technical task leadership in small team settings.
• Experience deploying navigation algorithms to real‑time applications.
• Experience with machine learning, particularly convolutional neural networks.
• Experience with Linux, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience with version control tools, especially Git or Subversion.
• Existing US security clearance (Secret or above).

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.