Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Multi-Domain Sensing Architectures and Data Fusion Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory develops sensing, tracking, and data fusion algorithms for next-generation air and missile defense capabilities. The team integrates information from multiple sensor modalities to address challenging tracking problems in complex and contested environments, combining expertise in tracking algorithms, data fusion, modeling and simulation, and systems analysis to deliver capabilities for Department of Defense sponsors. The Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer develops, evaluates, and improves tracking and data fusion algorithms through modeling, simulation, analysis, and test-data assessment. The role evaluates algorithms within complex systems and system-of-systems architectures, identifies performance limitations, and recommends design improvements. It also involves designing technical studies and proof-of-concept capabilities, analyzing tracking performance and sensor information, collaborating with government sponsors and technical teams, and presenting analyses and recommendations to stakeholders. The engineer contributes to technical direction, mentors junior staff, and supports mission-critical national security work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience developing and evaluating tracking and data fusion algorithms and systems, including identifying and resolving algorithmic or system-design issues.
Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: multi-target tracking, multi-sensor data fusion, data association and correlation, state estimation, Kalman filtering, Multiple Hypothesis Tracking (MHT), Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA), track initiation and maintenance, track-level or distributed data fusion, characterization of sensor information, or common tracking measures of performance.
Experience developing and evaluating tracking algorithms through modeling, simulation, analysis, and test-data assessment using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia, or similar scientific programming languages.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience creating and delivering technical briefings for government sponsors and other external organizations.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% as needed.
Active Secret security clearance and ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in applied mathematics, electrical engineering, statistics, computer science, physics, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 7 years of experience developing, evaluating, and leading technical efforts involving advanced tracking and data fusion algorithms and systems.
Experience applying tracking algorithms to radar, EO/IR, or other sensing systems supporting air and missile defense applications.
Experience conducting modeling and simulation, verification and validation, and performance assessments of tracking algorithms within end-to-end systems or system-of-systems architectures.
Experience leading technical studies, mentoring junior staff, and influencing the technical direction of multidisciplinary engineering efforts.
Experience collaborating directly with Department of Defense sponsors and presenting technical analyses and recommendations to senior government stakeholders.
Active Top Secret security clearance and ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop, evaluate, and improve advanced tracking and data fusion algorithms using modeling, simulation, analysis, and test-data assessment.
Evaluate tracking algorithms in complex systems and system-of-systems architectures, identify performance limitations, and recommend design improvements.
Design and conduct technical studies to develop algorithmic proof-of-concept capabilities and quantitative recommendations for future system designs.
Analyze tracking performance, sensor information, and algorithm effectiveness using modeling, simulation, and data-analysis tools.
Collaborate with internal teams, government sponsors, and external organizations to solve technical problems involving tracking and data fusion.
Develop and present technical analyses, recommendations, and briefing materials to sponsors and other stakeholders.
Contribute to the technical direction of tracking and data fusion efforts.
Mentor junior staff and foster technical excellence.