Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks a Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer to develop and evaluate advanced tracking and data fusion algorithms for multi-sensor systems in national security contexts.

You will model, simulate, and analyze system performance, collaborate with DoD sponsors and internal teams, mentor junior engineers, and help shape the technical direction of airborne sensing and data fusion programs.

Qualifications

• BS in mathematics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience developing and evaluating tracking and data fusion algorithms.
• Strong experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, and test data assessment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and improve advanced tracking and data fusion algorithms through modeling, simulation, analysis, and test data assessment.
• Evaluate tracking algorithms within complex systems and system-of-systems architectures to identify performance limitations and recommend design improvements.
• Design and conduct technical studies to develop algorithmic proof-of-concept capabilities and quantitative recommendations for future system designs.
• Analyze tracking performance, sensor information, and algorithm effectiveness using modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools.
• Collaborate with internal teams, government sponsors, and external organizations to solve challenging technical problems involving tracking and data fusion.
• Develop and present technical analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials to sponsors and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the technical direction of tracking and data fusion efforts while mentoring junior staff and fostering technical excellence.

Skills

Multi-target tracking

Multi-sensor data fusion

Data association

State estimation

Kalman filtering

MHT

JPDA

Track initiation and maintenance

Distributed data fusion

Sensor data interpretation

Education

BS in mathematics / applied mathematics / electrical engineering / computer science / physics / statistics / systems engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Julia

Job description

Are you excited about applying your knowledge, skills, and talents to solve some of the nation’s most complex defense challenges?

Would you like to develop innovative tracking and data fusion capabilities that directly support our nation’s warfighters and influence the next generation of air and missile defense systems?

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

The Multi‑Domain Sensing Architectures and Data Fusion Group develops advanced sensing, tracking, and data fusion algorithms that enable next‑generation air and missile defense capabilities. Our team specializes in solving challenging tracking problems by integrating information from multiple sensor modalities to create robust capabilities that perform in complex and contested environments. We combine expertise in tracking algorithms, data fusion, modeling and simulation, and systems analysis to develop innovative technical solutions for Department of Defense sponsors. Through collaboration, technical excellence, and innovation, we deliver mission‑critical capabilities while fostering an environment where our staff can grow as technical leaders.

In This Role, You’ll Have The Opportunity To

• Develop next‑generation tracking and data fusion capabilities supporting critical national security missions.
• Solve challenging multi‑sensor tracking problems using advanced algorithm development, modeling, and analysis.
• Collaborate directly with Department of Defense sponsors and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Lead technical studies that influence future tracking system capabilities.
• Mentor and collaborate with talented engineers in a highly technical, mission‑focused environment.

As a Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer, you will:

• Develop, evaluate, and improve advanced tracking and data fusion algorithms through modeling, simulation, analysis, and test data assessment.
• Evaluate tracking algorithms within complex systems and system‑of‑systems architectures to identify performance limitations and recommend design improvements.
• Design and conduct technical studies to develop algorithmic proof‑of‑concept capabilities and quantitative recommendations for future system designs.
• Analyze tracking performance, sensor information, and algorithm effectiveness using modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools.
• Collaborate with internal teams, government sponsors, and external organizations to solve challenging technical problems involving tracking and data fusion.
• Develop and present technical analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials to sponsors and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the technical direction of tracking and data fusion efforts while mentoring junior staff and fostering technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Possess a BS in mathematics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have 5+ years of experience developing and evaluating tracking and data fusion algorithms and systems, including identifying and resolving algorithmic or system design issues.
• Have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Multi‑target tracking
  • Multi‑sensor data fusion
  • Data association and correlation
  • State estimation
  • Kalman filtering
  • Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT)
  • Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA)
  • Track initiation and maintenance
  • Track‑level or distributed data fusion
  • Characterization of sensor information
  • Common tracking measures of performance
• Have experience developing and evaluating tracking algorithms through modeling, simulation, analysis, and test data assessment using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia, or similar scientific programming languages.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience creating and delivering technical briefings for government sponsors and other external organizations.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum qualifications if you:

• Possess an MS or PhD in applied mathematics, electrical engineering, statistics, computer science, physics, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have 7+ years of experience developing, evaluating, and leading technical efforts involving advanced tracking and data fusion algorithms and systems.
• Have experience applying tracking algorithms to radar, EO/IR, or other sensing systems supporting air and missile defense applications.
• Have experience conducting modeling and simulation, verification and validation, and performance assessments of tracking algorithms within end‑to‑end systems or system‑of‑systems architectures.
• Have experience leading technical studies, mentoring junior staff, and influencing the technical direction of multidisciplinary engineering efforts.
• Have experience collaborating directly with Department of Defense sponsors and presenting technical analyses and recommendations to senior government stakeholders.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

About Us

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.

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].

Pay Range

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually