Robotics Navigation Engineer

Leidos LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos LLC in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Robotics Navigation Engineer to develop real-time GPS-denied navigation for robotic platforms, with hands-on testing and field demonstrations.

You will work in a small team on navigation algorithms using sensor fusion (EKF/UKF/particle filters) with MATLAB/C++/Python, and travel 1–2 weeks per demo 3–4 times yearly to showcase results in real-world conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 4+ years of experience, or Master’s with 2+ years of experience.
• 2+ years with sensor fusion algorithms: EKF, UKF, particle filters, or factor graphs.
• MATLAB programming/analysis experience.
• US Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop real-time GPS-denied navigation algorithms for robotic platforms.
• Navigate aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Fuse inputs from inertial sensors, GPS, altimeters, cameras, lidar, odometers, radios.
• Use CV techniques like feature matching, SLAM, and visual odometry to extract navigation measurements.
• Work in a team of 3-5 engineers to test algorithms on demonstration hardware.
• Travel 1-2 weeks per demo, 3-4 times a year.
• Present techniques, solutions, and results to the team and customers.

Skills

Sensor fusion

Kalman filters

Particle filters

Factor graphs

MATLAB

C++

Python

Linux

Git

Subversion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Git

Subversion

Job description

The Contested Autonomy & Navigation Branch, part of Leidos’ Non-Kinetic Effects Business Area, provides cutting-edge navigation technology for customers who can't rely on GPS alone, and we need your help! We’re looking for a Robotics Navigation Engineer to join our team in the Rocket City, Huntsville, AL! This position offers both analytic and hands‑on tasks, including development, simulation, analysis, and field testing of navigation algorithms. We perform research, development, and advanced prototyping for DARPA, NASA, Air Force Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, and Army Combat Capabilities Development Command engineering centers. These customers need to get our advanced technology into the field! You’ll work with other engineers in small teams using spiral or agile development to meet aggressive schedules aimed at near‑term field demonstrations. Are you excited about making advanced technologies work in the real world? Then we want you on our team! For more information about the work we do, please visit: https://www.leidos.com/products/assured-positioning-navigation-and-timing

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for real-time GPS-denied navigation of robotic platforms.
• 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 from inertial sensors, GPS, altimeters, cameras, lidar, odometers, and ranging radios.
• Use computer vision techniques like feature matching, SLAM, and visual odometry to extract navigation measurements from imagery.
• 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.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and 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 deploying navigation algorithms to real‑time applications.
• Experience with computer vision techniques.
• Experience with machine learning, particularly convolutional neural networks.
• Experience with Linux, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience with version control tools, especially Git or Subversion.
• Experience with autonomous system development through robotics competitions.
• Existing US security clearance (Secret or above).

Pay Range: Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

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 here.

Securing Your Data

Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

Commitment and Diversity 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.