Geophysicist/Geodesist

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD is looking for a Geophysicist/Geodesist to aid the US Navy's navigation systems. The role focuses on analyzing geophysical data and involves both research and practical application in a critical technical field.

The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background in Geophysics or related fields, along with experience in programming and data analysis. This position offers significant responsibility in ensuring accurate navigation for national security missions.

Qualifications

• Possess a M.S. degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or related technical field.
• Have experience in exploration geophysics, geodesy, and signal processing.
• Able to obtain Secret level security clearance by your start date.

Responsibilities

• Analyze current and potential future geophysical data products.
• Become the subject matter expert on geophysical data products used by the US Navy.
• Develop error models for geophysical data sources.

Skills

Understanding geophysical data sources

Strong programming experience

Exploration geophysics experience

Signal processing expertise

Interest in real-world applications

Education

M.S. degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or related field

Ph.D. degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Description

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?

Are you searching for a career with an employer that provides crucial leadership in solving highly technical challenges addressing our nation and prioritizes continual innovation?

Are you interested in joining a team of engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists as we pursue innovative solutions to the timely and timeless maritime navigation problem in support of the US Navy?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL. We are seeking a Geophysicist/Geodesist to help us ensure the US 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 US Navy platforms
• Become the subject matter expert on all geophysical data products used by the US 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 US Navy platforms
• Advise US 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 US 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

Qualifications

• Possess a M.S. degree in Geophysics, Geodesy, Physics, or 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 Ph.D. 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
• Have an Active, current Department of Defense security clearance

Salary

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

Equal Opportunity & Disability Accommodation

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].