Senior Navigation Engineer — Independent Naval Systems Analyst

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites applications for a Senior Navigation Engineer to join our Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector. You will evaluate high-accuracy inertial navigation systems, build deep PNT data understanding, and lead analyses for field tests on surface ships, submarines, and shoreside labs.

You will mentor staff, develop training materials, and provide objective assessments to sponsors, shaping future navigation capabilities and fleet roadmaps

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent Navy navigation experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on U.S. Navy Fleet navigation experience.
• Familiarity with navigation sensors and understanding of navigation system architectures.
• Track record of project leadership and staff mentorship.
• Strong written and verbal communication with ability to present findings to sponsors.
• Willingness to travel 3–5 weeks per year and ability to obtain security clearances.
• Active Top Secret clearance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an SME on operation and performance of surface and subsurface navigation systems in demanding conditions.
• Independently evaluate accuracy of high-accuracy inertial navigation systems and supporting aids; investigate anomalies.
• Apply analysis to assess navigation data fidelity and build understanding of PNT data.
• Lead studies of alternate navigation sensors and present findings to government sponsors.
• Author test plans, provide test support, and conduct post-test analyses of sensor performance, including onboard field tests.
• Provide independent assessments that inform Navy decisions on future navigation capabilities and road-map Fleet technologies.
• Mentor and develop staff, expanding the knowledge base of the team.
• Support Fleet training devices and onsite training at Naval facilities and on platforms.
• Facilitate interactions with Fleet representatives and Sailors to gather feedback and identify priorities.

Skills

Navy navigation experience

Leadership experience

Strong communication

Problem solving

Security clearance willingness

Education

B.S. in STEM fields

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites applications for a Senior Navigation Engineer to join our Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector. You will evaluate high-accuracy inertial navigation systems, build deep PNT data understanding, and lead analyses for field tests on surface ships, submarines, and shoreside labs.

You will mentor staff, develop training materials, and provide objective assessments to sponsors, shaping future navigation capabilities and fleet roadmaps