Geophysicist/Geodesist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Relocation benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Geophysicist/Geodesist to analyze geophysical data, develop navigation‑oriented algorithms, and advise on sensors for Navy platforms. You will collaborate with the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector to advance geophysical navigation systems.

The role requires MS (PhD preferred) in geophysics/geodesy/physics, strong programming skills (MATLAB/Python), and the ability to travel up to 10%. U.S.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or related technical field.
• Understanding of geophysical data sources and how they are used in real-world applications.
• Experience in exploration geophysics, geodesy, and signal processing with strong physics and math background.
• Ability to lead development/research projects.
• Strong programming experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Secret/Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current and future geophysical data products for accuracy and applicability to U.S. Navy platforms.
• Become the subject matter expert on geophysical data products used by the Navy.
• Provide advice on geophysical sensors and data issues for Navy platforms.
• Advise on geophysical navigation solutions for surface and subsurface fleets.
• Develop error models for gravity, bathymetry, and magnetic data.
• Develop production-level software tools for geophysical data analysis.
• Apply analytics and machine learning to geophysical data.
• Evaluate current geophysical‑aided navigation techniques.
• Develop algorithms to integrate geophysical data into navigation systems.
• Develop and sustain geodesy and gravity modeling technologies.
• Collaborate with laboratories, contractors, and sponsor teams.
• Survey research for state‑of‑the‑art geophysical sensors.

Skills

Geophysics

Geodesy

Signal processing

Programming

Machine learning

Education

M.S. in Geophysics/Geodesy/Physics or related

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Overview

Do you have experience understanding geophysical and geodetic properties of the earth and an interest in investigating their real‑world application to navigation systems supporting missions of utmost importance to the nation?

We are the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL. We are seeking a Geophysicist/Geodesist to help us ensure the U.S. Navy has the most accurate and reliable navigation systems in the world.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current and potential future geophysical data products (bathymetry, gravity, magnetic, geodetic, etc.) for their accuracy and applicability to U.S. Navy platforms
• Become the subject matter expert on all geophysical data products used by the U.S. Navy, including how they could be leveraged more effectively in the future
• Provide advice and technical recommendations on geophysical sensors and data issues affecting various U.S. Navy platforms
• Advise U.S. Navy sponsors on current and emerging geophysical navigation solutions, including both surface and subsurface fleets
• Develop error models for geophysical data sources, including gravity, bathymetry, and magnetic data to determine how those errors impact the mission of different U.S. Navy platforms
• Develop production‑level software tools to be used in geophysical data analysis
• Apply cutting‑edge analytics and machine learning techniques to geophysical data
• Evaluate current geophysical‑aided navigation techniques
• Develop innovative algorithms for integrating geophysical data into surface and subsurface navigation (both pre‑launch and in‑flight) systems
• Develop and/or sustain geodesy and gravity modeling technology and tools, including the development of geophysical analysis capabilities
• Collaborate with Laboratory, contractors, and sponsor teams on matters related to geophysical data (including maintenance and modernization) to address critical sponsor needs
• Survey current academic and industry research for state‑of‑the‑art capabilities in new geophysical sensors to promote innovative ideas to benefit the country

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a M.S. degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or a related technical field
• Have an understanding of and interest in geophysical data sources and how they are used in real-world applications
• Have experience in exploration geophysics, geodesy, and signal processing, with a strong background in physics and math
• Possess the ability to lead development/research projects
• Have strong programming experience
• Are able to do some limited travel (up to 10%)
• Are able to obtain 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess a PhD degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or a related field
• Have experience developing geophysical-aided navigation algorithms
• Have experience with geodesy and gravity error modeling and analysis, including the development of tools to perform the analysis
• Have expertise with programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, etc.
• Have experience with data science and machine learning

  Compensation

  Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

  Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

  In addition to salary, 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. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  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].