Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Senior Navigation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $290K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Math, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent Navy experience.
  • 5+ years of hands-on U.S. Navy Fleet navigation experience.
  • Familiarity with navigation sensors and system architectures.
  • Proven project leadership and mentorship history.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and presentation.
  • Methodical problem-solving skills with strong organizational abilities.
  • Willingness to travel 3-5 weeks per year for various duties.
  • Ability to obtain Secret and ultimately Top Secret security clearances.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a subject-matter expert on surface and subsurface navigation systems.
  • Evaluate accuracy and performance of high-accuracy inertial navigation systems.
  • Apply analysis techniques to assess navigation systems' fidelity and PNT data.
  • Lead teams in studying alternate navigation sensors and present findings.
  • Author test plans and conduct post-test analysis of navigation systems.
  • Provide independent technical assessments for Navy navigation capabilities.
  • Mentor staff and expand knowledge base of next-generation navigation analysts.
  • Support the development of training devices and conduct onsite training events.
  • Facilitate direct feedback communications with Fleet representatives.

Benefits

  • Training and development opportunities to grow expertise in navigation systems.
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment that values diverse perspectives.
  • Opportunities to work closely with government sponsors and the Navy.
  • Direct mentorship role to shape the next generation of navigation analysts.
  • Field test experience on operational submarines and surface ships.
Full Job Description
Description

You9ll join the Navigation group in APL9s 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, you9ll 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.

As a Senior Navigation Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be serving as a subject-matter expert on the operation and performance of surface and subsurface navigation systems operating in extremely demanding, real-world conditions.
  • You will independently evaluate the accuracy and performance of high-accuracy inertial navigation systems and their supporting aids-including fathometers, speed logs, and satellite positioning-and investigate and resolve anomalies in field test data.
  • You will apply analysis techniques to assess the fidelity of navigation systems and build a deep understanding of PNT data.
  • You will participate in and lead teams in the study of alternate navigation (Alt-Nav) sensors and present clear, objective findings to government sponsors.
  • You will author test plans, provide test support, and conduct 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.
  • You will provide independent technical assessments that inform Navy decisions on future navigation capabilities and help road-map future Fleet technologies.
  • You will serve as a trusted, independent voice, delivering objective assessments.
  • You will mentor and develop staff, becoming an authority in navigation and expanding the knowledge base of the next generation of APL navigation analysts.
  • You will support the development of Fleet training devices and provide onsite training events at Naval facilities and onboard Naval platforms.
  • You will facilitate 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.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • 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.
  • Are 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.
  • Are 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.

You9ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • 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.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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