Navigation, Modeling, and Simulation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

1d

About The Position

The Navigation, Modeling, and Simulation Engineer develops and analyzes advanced navigation systems and algorithms for aerospace and missile applications. The role applies signal processing, state estimation, EO/IR image processing, photogrammetry, optimization, sensor and data fusion, and physics-based modeling and simulation to solve navigation problems. The engineer works with a multidisciplinary team and may contribute depth in one area while broadening expertise across navigation, sensing, estimation, and modeling and simulation.

The position supports projects for the U.S. Department of War and the warfighter, including algorithm development, system performance analysis, and system-level design trades. Work may include laboratory, simulation, and flight testing, as well as post-test analysis of sensor data and navigation algorithms implemented in onboard software. The role also interfaces navigation algorithms with flight-system guidance and control algorithms and contributes to integrated system analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or another related technical discipline.
• At least one year of experience working with state estimation or navigation systems.
• Experience in one or more of the following: signal processing, EO/IR or digital image processing, photogrammetry or computer vision, numerical optimization, or physics-based modeling and simulation.
• Experience developing algorithms, mathematical models, or simulations and using them to analyze complex engineering systems.
• Experience with MATLAB, C++, or another programming language.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and interest in applying technical background to navigation and aerospace systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and support multiple development efforts concurrently.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for clearance eligibility.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or another related technical discipline.
• Experience with sensor models, including inertial measurement units (IMUs), global positioning systems (GPS), or magnetometers.
• Interest in taking on leadership and business development opportunities.
• Experience with software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop development.
• Active Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze algorithms for advanced navigation systems using signal and image processing, state estimation, photogrammetry, optimization, and sensor/data fusion.
• Use EO/IR imagery, terrain and geospatial data, and other sensor data to develop and evaluate navigation and localization approaches.
• Develop, implement, and analyze physics-based models and simulations of flight vehicles, sensors, environments, and navigation systems.
• Use simulation to predict system behavior, identify potential limitations, and evaluate system performance.
• Apply Monte Carlo, probabilistic, covariance, sensitivity, and other analysis techniques to characterize system performance and support system-level design trades.
• Develop and evaluate estimation and optimization approaches for determining vehicle position, velocity, attitude, and other states from sensor measurements.
• Interface navigation algorithms with flight-system guidance and control algorithms and contribute to integrated system analysis.
• Support laboratory, simulation, and flight testing, including post-test analysis of sensor data and navigation algorithms implemented in onboard software.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program and education assistance.
• Retirement plans with unparalleled retirement contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Training and development.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance, subject to policy and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level