Navigation Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Navigation Engineer to design and evaluate advanced navigation solutions for missile and weapon systems. You will work on GPS-denied navigation, sensor fusion, and Kalman-filter based state estimation, with opportunities to influence DoD programs.

Join a team applying AI/ML approaches and rigorous simulations to ensure robustness of navigation under diverse environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 5+ years in navigation systems.
• Experience in inertial navigation design, sensor fusion and state estimation.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink and C++ for analysis and simulation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and obtain security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze navigation systems including strapdown algorithms and aiding filters using IMU, GPS, terrain sensors.
• Mentor junior staff and help maintain deep knowledge across GPS aiding and inertial navigation.
• Use simulations (Monte Carlo and covariance methods) to predict behavior and perform system trades.
• Analyze contractor designs to assist DoD program offices during the acquisition cycle.
• Develop and maintain relationships with DoD sponsors and pursue new PNT initiatives.

Skills

Navigation systems

Kalman filtering

Sensor fusion

Inertial navigation

GPS aiding

MATLAB

Simulink

C++

Communications

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics or Physics

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C++

Job description

Are you searching for exciting work in aerospace and missile systems engineering?

Do you have knowledge and experience in global positioning system (GPS) integration, inertial navigation and optimal estimation, and a desire to apply those skills to analyze, test, and improve weapon systems for our military?

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

We are seeking a dynamic, creative engineer who will help us assess performance of weapon systems under development and influence future missile systems programs. You will join a team of expert analysts in a team-oriented environment that values collaboration and innovation.

Innovations in areas like Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) and alternative navigation solutions in GPS-denied environments offer exciting opportunities to shape the future of our nation's defensive capabilities.

Our team supports a wide array of platforms, including hypersonics, cruise missiles, submarines, and autonomous flight vehicles. As a navigation engineer, you will spearhead development of navigation solutions for these critical systems, leveraging your technical expertise and a passion for continuous learning.

As a Navigation Engineer at APL, you will...

• Design and analyze navigation systems including strapdown algorithms and aiding filters fusing measurements from multiple sensors. We work with inertial measurement unit (IMU), GPS, terrain mapping sensors, and are working with multiple sponsors to identify practical GPS alternatives.
• Mentor junior staff and help ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge across multiple areas of GPS aiding and inertial navigation.
• Use simulations to predict system behavior and risks, leveraging both Monte Carlo and covariance-based methods to understand trends and perform high-level system trades.
• Analyze and assess contractor designs to assist program offices throughout the DoD acquisition cycle and interface with contractor community to help them design and build operational weapon systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with DoD sponsors and other relevant stakeholders, working to conceive, develop, plan and execute new Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) initiatives.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or another related technical field.
• Have 5+ years of experience working with navigation systems.
• Have experience design and analysis of inertial navigation systems, sensor fusion and state estimation via Kalman or other optimal filtering algorithms, or navigation simulation and model development.
• Have conducted analysis and development using MATLAB, Simulink, and C++.
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are skilled at developing relationships across diverse teams.
• Must be willing to travel up to approximately 25%.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.

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

• Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or other related technical discipline.
• Have 10+ years of experience working with navigation systems.
• Have successfully led navigation system design or analysis activities.
• Have experience and interest in related fields such as guidance and control systems or 6 degree-of-freedom modeling and simulation.
• Have experience with alternative navigation and/or hands‑on navigation sensor hardware.
• Prior work experience in weapon systems, including Hypersonic or Cuise missile systems.
• Have a track record of leadership and staff mentorship.
• Currently hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

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].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. 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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually