Geophysical Navigation Engineer

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 87,100 - 157,450; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Geophysical Navigation Engineer to develop alternative navigation technologies for GPS-denied environments. You will join a small team focused on sensor fusion, geophysical mapping, and machine learning to demonstrate capabilities and transition them to operational platforms.

The role emphasizes real-time algorithm development, testing on demonstration hardware, and collaboration with DARPA, ONR, AFRL, and other customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s with 2+ years.
• 2+ years of experience with sensor fusion algorithms such as EKF, UKF, particle filters, or factor graphs.
• Programming and analysis experience in MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time GPS-denied navigation algorithms.
• Navigate platforms including aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Apply multiple sensor fusion algorithms (EKF, UKF, particle filters, factor graphs).
• Fuse inertial sensors, GPS, magnetometers, altimeters, DVL, radios, and other inputs.
• Develop calibration and covariance analysis for sensor uncertainty.
• Collaborate in a 3–5 engineer team and demonstrate results to customers.

Skills

Sensor fusion

MATLAB

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Machine learning

Convolutional neural networks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Git

Subversion

Job description

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 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).

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.