Senior Navigation and Autonomy Engineer

Leidos LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior Navigation and Autonomy Engineer focused on rapid prototyping and field demonstrations of autonomous systems for defense customers. You will develop and integrate state estimation and sensor fusion algorithms, and apply computer vision techniques to localization and perception in MATLAB, Python, C++, ROS, and Linux.

This hands-on role involves building simulation testbeds, validating algorithms on diverse platforms, and traveling with the team to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years of related experience or Master's with 6+ years.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or C++ for algorithm development.
• Background in robotics, controls, estimation, or autonomous systems.
• Experience with sensor fusion or computer vision algorithms (OpenCV).

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and analyze state estimation and multi-sensor fusion algorithms.
• Develop, integrate, and analyze perception and localization techniques.
• Work primarily in MATLAB, Python, C++, ROS, and Linux.
• Create simulation testbeds for algorithm testing and assessment.
• Travel with team to demo systems on aircraft, ground vehicles, and more.

Skills

Sensor fusion

Robotics

Computer vision

OpenCV

ROS

MATLAB

Python

C++

Linux

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in related field

Tools

ROS

OpenCV

Git

Subversion

Linux

CMake

Job description

Senior Navigation and Autonomy Engineer: Rapid Prototyping and Field Demonstrations

The Contested Autonomy and Navigation Branch at Leidos develops cutting-edge alternative navigation and autonomy technologies for environments where GPS alone cannot be trusted. Based in Huntsville, AL, this role combines algorithm development, simulation, integration, and real-world field testing of autonomous systems for customers including DARPA, NASA, AFRL, ONR, and the U.S. Army. You’ll work on small, fast-moving engineering teams developing and demonstrating advanced capabilities on aircraft, ground vehicles, pedestrians, and maritime platforms. This is a highly hands-on role where you’ll see your work move rapidly from concept to field demonstration and operational deployment. Unlike large production programs, this team focuses on rapid prototyping and transitioning advanced autonomy capabilities from research into operational demonstrations. Engineers on this team are expected to take ownership of technical problems from initial concept through field demonstration and customer evaluation. Engineers regularly participate in field experiments and flight tests, directly supporting customer demonstrations of new autonomy capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, integrate, and analyze state estimation and multi-sensor fusion algorithms, including Extended Kalman Filters Unscented Kalman Filters Particle Filters Factor Graphs
• Develop, integrate, and analyze computer vision perception and localization techniques including Feature extraction/matching Optical flow/visual odometry Image correlation Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Machine learning approaches for all of the above
• Development is performed primarily in MATLAB, Python, C++, ROS, and Linux-based environments.
• Develop and utilize simulation testbeds to support algorithm testing and assessment.
• Travel with your team to demo your system to the customer on a variety of platforms, including aircraft, ground vehicles, pedestrians.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent with 8+ years’ experience or Master’s with 6+ years ‘of experience.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or C++ for algorithm development and analysis. Most early-stage algorithm development and analysis is currently performed in MATLAB.
• Background in robotics, controls, estimation, or autonomous systems.
• Experience with either sensor fusion/ estimation algorithms (e.g. Kalman Filters, Particle Filters, or Factor Graphs), or with computer vision algorithms (for instance OpenCV).
• If you have experience with both sensor fusion and computer vision that’s even better!

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with various sensor types (Inertial Measurement Units, GPS, cameras, LiDAR, etc.)
• Experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS) and the OpenCV computer vision library.
• Experience with interface communication standards / protocols including RS232, RS422, TCP/IP, and UDP to communicate with various sensors.
• Experience with autonomous system development through robotics competitions.
• Experience with the Linux operating environment.
• Experience using version control tools (Git, Subversion, etc).
• Experience with AI/Machine Learning for computer vision or robotics applications.
• Experience leading small engineering teams in a rapid prototyping / R&D environment.
• NKE If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling.

At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Posting Details

Original Posting: September 1, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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.

Company Overview

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.

• competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave and Retirement

Data Security

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

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.