Senior Navigation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to apply your navigation expertise to solve the US Navy's most critical operational challenges? Do you want to make an impact by delivering objective technical assessments that support fleet readiness? Are you excited about helping shape the future of navigation systems by providing the independent analysis and field support that matter most? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. You’ll join the Navigation group in APL’s Force Projection Sector, providing independent analysis and advanced expertise across the entire positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) spectrum in support of strategic deterrence, national tasking, and the most critical missions of the U.S. Navy. We are seeking a Senior Navigation Engineer to join the team of independent evaluators and trusted agents of afloat navigation system performance. In this role, you’ll apply your operational experience to evaluate current Fleet navigation system performance and provide recommendations for future operational and technical enhancements. This role includes receiving on the job training to professionally develop towards becoming an experienced navigation systems analyst. We value diverse perspectives, encourage creativity and new ideas, and foster a collaborative, welcoming environment where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with talented colleagues.

Requirements

Possess a B.S. in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field—or equivalent years of specialized technical training and experience with U.S. Navy navigation systems.
Have 5+ years of relevant hands-on U.S. Navy Fleet navigation experience.
Have hands-on familiarity with navigation sensors and an understanding of navigation system architectures.
Have a track record of project leadership and staff mentorship.
Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and present technical findings to colleagues, team leaders, and government sponsors.
Bring intellectual curiosity and a methodical approach to breaking down complex problems, paired with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Willing and able to travel an average of approximately 3-5 weeks per year for sponsor presentations, testing, and to occasionally embark on surface ships and/or submarines.
Able to obtain a Secret security clearance upon start and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a U.S. government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Have an M.S. or Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
Have 10+ years of experience in navigation systems, maritime navigation operations, or navigation data analysis.
Have experience in U.S. Navy operational planning, curriculum development, training standards, promulgation of operational guidance, or Fleet Navigation leadership (Squadron, TYCOM, Learning Centers, Program Offices, Warfare Centers, etc.).
Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Serving as a subject-matter expert on the operation and performance of surface and subsurface navigation systems operating in extremely demanding, real-world conditions.
Independently evaluating the accuracy and performance of high-accuracy inertial navigation systems and their supporting aids—including fathometers, speed logs, and satellite positioning—and investigating and resolving anomalies in field test data.
Applying analysis techniques to assess the fidelity of navigation systems and building a deep understanding of PNT data.
Participating in and leading teams in the study of alternate navigation (Alt-Nav) sensors and presenting clear, objective findings to government sponsors.
Authoring test plans, providing test support, and conducting post-test analysis of navigation sensor system performance to independently characterize accuracy and reliability. This will include live, onboard support of field tests of navigation equipment and procedures onboard operational submarines, surface ships, and in shoreside labs.
Providing independent technical assessments that inform Navy decisions on future navigation capabilities and help road-map future Fleet technologies.
Serving as a trusted, independent voice, delivering objective assessments.
Mentoring and developing staff, becoming an authority in navigation and expanding the knowledge base of the next generation of APL navigation analysts.
Supporting the development of Fleet training devices and providing onsite training events at Naval facilities and onboard Naval platforms.
Facilitating direct interactions and communications with Fleet representatives and Sailors to provide and receive feedback relative to navigation system performance and to identify emerging trends and priorities for government sponsors.