Senior PNT Navigation Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Senior Navigation Engineer to join the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector, applying expert analysis of surface and subsurface navigation systems in demanding real‑world conditions to inform Navy decisions.

You will lead test planning, field support on submarines and ships, mentor staff, and help develop training devices for Fleet personnel, traveling 3–5 weeks per year and pursuing appropriate security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, or equal Navy navigation experience
• 5+ years of hands-on U.S. Navy Fleet navigation experience
• Familiarity with navigation sensors and system architectures
• History of project leadership and staff mentorship
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical presentations
• Willingness to travel ~3–5 weeks/year and obtain clearances

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME on operation and performance of navigation systems in demanding conditions.
• Independently evaluate inertial navigation systems and supporting aids; investigate data anomalies.
• Apply analysis to assess PNT data fidelity and develop understanding.
• Lead studies of alternate navigation sensors and present findings to sponsors.
• Author test plans, provide test support, and conduct post-test analyses onboard vessels.
• Mentor staff and expand the knowledge base of navigation analysts.
• Support development of Fleet training devices and onsite training at Naval facilities.

Skills

Navy navigation

Leadership

Technical writing

Travel readiness

Clearance eligibility

Education

B.S. in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

M.S. or Ph.D. in relevant field (advantage)

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Senior Navigation Engineer to join the Navigation group in the Force Projection Sector, applying expert analysis of surface and subsurface navigation systems in demanding real‑world conditions to inform Navy decisions.

You will lead test planning, field support on submarines and ships, mentor staff, and help develop training devices for Fleet personnel, traveling 3–5 weeks per year and pursuing appropriate security clearances.