Senior Navigation Systems Engineer

Leidos Inc; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Inc is seeking a navigation specialist located in Huntsville, Alabama, to lead the development of cutting-edge navigation algorithms. This role requires collaboration with teams from DARPA and NASA, focusing on transitioning advanced technologies into practical applications.

Ideal candidates should hold a Bachelor's or Master's in technical fields and possess extensive experience in sensor fusion algorithms and simulation techniques. Strong interpersonal skills and a focus on real-time applications are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, software, aerospace, or mechanical engineering required.
• 8+ years of relevant experience or a Master's with 6+ years.
• 3+ years of experience with sensor fusion algorithms required.

Responsibilities

• Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis of navigation systems.
• Lead the design of new algorithms for real-time GPS-denied navigation.
• Coordinate with teammates and customers; travel lasting no more than a week.

Skills

Sensor fusion algorithms

MATLAB

Interpersonal skills

Navigation architectures

Real-time applications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent

Master’s degree in a technical field

Tools

Git

Linux

C++

Python

Job description

Description

The Contested Autonomy & Navigation Branch of the Leidos Innovations Center provides cutting‑edge navigation for customers who cannot rely on GPS alone. This position is located in Huntington (Huntsville, AL) and involves development, simulation, analysis, and field testing of navigation algorithms. You will work with other engineers in small, agile teams to accelerate prototypes for DARPA, NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Office of Naval Research, and Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. The goal is to bring advanced technologies into the field as quickly as possible.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis of a navigation system as part of a broader system simulation.
• Conduct simulation trade studies to inform selection of navigation hardware meeting system requirements.
• For developmental flight systems, lead the design of new algorithms and transition existing Leidos algorithms to produce software enabling accurate, real‑time GPS‑denied navigation.
• Use and apply 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, and other aiding sensors.
• Work within a team of engineers across disciplines to design innovative navigation systems constrained by factors such as accuracy, operating environment, and cost.
• Travel individually and with a team to coordinate with teammates and customers; typical travel lasts no more than a week at a time.
• Present techniques, solutions, and results to the team and to customers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an advanced technical field (electrical engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent) and 8+ years of prior relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience with one or more sensor fusion algorithms: extended Kalman filters, unscented Kalman filters, particle filters, or factor graphs.
• Experience working with Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) in the context of a multi‑sensor navigation system.
• Good working knowledge of navigation architectures for flight systems involving closed‑loop Guidance, Navigation, and Control software.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to dynamic simulations in MATLAB or similar environment.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including ability to work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) and externally with other subsystem teams.
• Ability to clearly articulate technical information to non‑technical customers.
• Must be a US Citizen with an existing security clearance (Secret or above).

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in one of the majors listed above.
• Familiarity with alternative navigation technologies to improve performance in GPS‑degraded environments.
• Experience deploying navigation algorithms to real‑time applications.
• Experience with Linux, C++, and/or Python.
• Experience with version control tools, especially Git or Subversion.
• Experience conducting business in a high OPSEC environment, including modeling, simulation, and software development.
• Experience with specifying, testing, and/or qualifying sensor hardware.
• Working knowledge of computer vision techniques.
• Eligibility for upgrade to Top Secret clearance.

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

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.