Senior Navigation Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Navigation Analyst to advance our understanding of inertial navigation and maritime sensors for the US Navy. The role emphasizes rigorous mathematical modeling and collaboration with engineers, physicists, and mathematicians in a highly technical team.

You will model navigation errors, assess system fidelity, and communicate results to decision-makers while mentoring colleagues and contributing to innovative sensor fusion approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field.
• Experience with Kalman filters and multi-sensor data fusion.
• Experience modeling navigation sensors (IMUs, GPS, Doppler velocity log, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Become SME on the mathematical theory and physics behind navigation systems in demanding conditions.
• Derive physics-based models for interactions and influences on inertial systems.
• Assess fidelity of navigation systems and communicate conclusions to decision-makers.
• Mentor colleagues to grow subject matter expertise in mathematical physics-based navigation modeling.

Skills

Kalman filters

Multi-sensor data fusion

MATLAB

Python

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field

Master's or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Do you have a deep understanding of navigation systems and are you eager to apply that knowledge to solve unique navigation challenges facing the US Navy?

Are you passionate about developing the next generation of technical experts in the timely, and timeless, art of navigation?

Do you want to be part of a team of engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists as we ensure the US Navy has the most accurate, yet reliable maritime navigation systems in the world?

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 Navigation Analyst to help us pursue innovative solutions to the timely and timeless maritime navigation problem.

As a Senior Navigation Analyst, you will...

• Become the Subject Matter Expert on the mathematical theory and physics behind navigation systems that must operate in extremely demanding conditions in support of the most crucial missions of the US military.
• Apply this knowledge to model the errors in various navigation systems and be part of a team determining their impact on tactical and strategic mission objectives as we also investigate methods to mitigate their influence.
• Join a highly talented and motivated team of mathematicians, engineers and physicists focused on navigation error analysis with many opportunities to collaborate with other innovative experts from a variety of technical fields.

Your specific tasks will include...

• Mastering the mathematical models governing the performance of the most accurate inertial navigation systems in the US Navy surface and subsurface fleet.
• Deriving the physics-based models for how the various supporting aids to the navigation system interact and influence the inertial system.
• Assessing the fidelity of the navigation systems being studied then communicating your conclusions and recommendations to decision-makers.
• Mentoring colleagues to grow subject matter expertise in mathematical physics-based modeling for navigation sensors.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field.
• Have at least 7 years of relevant experience developing and using mathematical or physics-based models describing a complex system to perform analysis for military applications.
• Have specific experience with performance analysis for maritime navigation or missile guidance systems.
• Have experience modeling navigation sensors including IMUs, GPS, or navigational sonars (Doppler Velocity Log, Correlation Velocity Log).
• Have experience with and a passion for mentoring/knowledge sharing.
• Have experience with Kalman filters and/or modern system estimation and multi-sensor data fusion methods.
• Have experience with a high-level programming language like MATLAB or Python.
• Have the verbal and writing skills and disposition necessary for documenting and presenting complex technical work to APL colleagues and government sponsors at a broadly understandable level.
• Enjoy solving challenging technical problems requiring both self-motivated independent investigation and collaborative team effort. Are willing and able to travel occasionally to US Navy facilities, bases and contractor sites to present results.
• Are able to obtain a 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 Master's or PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or similar technical field.
• Have specific experience with engineering or test and evaluation for the Trident II, Minuteman III, Sentinel, or AN/WSN-7 systems.
• Have proven experience developing or executing technical training or curricula for STEM-related topics.
• Have a Top Secret security 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually