Guidance Navigation and Controls Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer to develop and field advanced algorithms for autonomous systems. You will work on next-generation robotic systems with a team dedicated to technical excellence and mentoring.

Your role involves algorithm design, simulation using MATLAB and Python, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support testing and operational deployment. The position requires a BS in a relevant field and 2+ years of experience, along with an active Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• BS in a relevant technical field.
• 2+ years of experience developing software and algorithms.
• Experience in guidance, navigation, control, or robotics.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C++.
• Experience analyzing system performance through simulation and testing.
• Strong communication skills for collaboration in teams.
• Willingness to support laboratory and testing activities.
• Active Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, analyze, and test guidance algorithms.
• Implement control and trajectory planning algorithms.
• Model and simulate system performance using MATLAB and Python.
• Collaborate with software engineers and domain experts.
• Support laboratory and field testing activities.

Skills

Software development

Control algorithms

MATLAB

Python

C++

Robotics

Estimation

Navigation

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Description

Do you love developing and fielding advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms? Are you searching for important work in autonomous systems and robotics? Are you passionate about solving challenging real‑world engineering problems? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer to help us develop, test, and deploy autonomy solutions for next‑generation ground, maritime, and aerial robotic systems. As a member of our team, you’ll contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of estimation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithms that enable autonomous platforms to operate safely and effectively in challenging real‑world environments. You will join a collaborative team of engineers and scientists who work together to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. Our work spans algorithm development, simulation, integration, and field testing, providing opportunities to see your ideas transition from concept to operational capability. We are committed to technical excellence, continuous learning, and mentoring, and we strive to foster an environment where team members support one another, share knowledge, and grow professionally. Our team values initiative, collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to tackle difficult problems together.

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineer

• Your primary responsibility will be designing, developing, analyzing, and testing estimation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous vehicles and robotic systems.
• You will develop and implement control, state estimation, sensor fusion, and trajectory planning algorithms for autonomous platforms.
• You will model, simulate, and evaluate system performance using tools such as MATLAB, Python, and C++ in both simulation and real‑world testing environments.
• You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams of software engineers, roboticists, and domain experts to integrate autonomy capabilities onto operational systems.
• You will support laboratory, flight, maritime, and field testing activities, analyze test results, and improve system performance, robustness, and reliability.
• You will contribute to technical reports, presentations, and the transition of research concepts into deployed capabilities.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Have 2+ years of experience developing software, algorithms, models, or analysis tools for engineering systems.
• Have experience in one or more of the following areas: guidance, navigation, control, estimation, robotics, autonomy, dynamics, or related technical disciplines.
• Are proficient in MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar technical computing and software development tools.
• Have experience analyzing system performance through simulation, testing, and experimental data.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills and can effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in both laboratory and field environments.
• Maintain professionalism, composure, and sound judgment while working in dynamic, fast‑paced test environments where priorities and plans may change rapidly.
• Are willing and able to support laboratory, field, and flight testing activities, including occasional travel.
• Hold an active Secret security 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have an MS or PhD focused on guidance, navigation, control, robotics, aerospace systems, autonomous systems, machine learning, or a related discipline.
• Have experience designing, implementing, and tuning feedback control systems.
• Have experience developing state estimation or sensor fusion algorithms such as Kalman filters, Extended Kalman Filters, or particle filters.
• Have experience with autonomous air, maritime, ground, or space systems.
• Have experience with ROS, embedded systems, real‑time software, or hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulation environments.
• Have demonstrated proficiency in modern C++ software design and development practices.
• Have participated in field experiments, flight tests, maritime tests, or operational demonstrations.
• Have authored technical publications, contributed to open‑source projects, or led significant technical efforts.
• Can independently drive technical tasks from concept through implementation, testing, and deployment.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually