Demo

Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Johns Hopkins University AppliedPhysicsLaboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 2/20/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/17/2025

Job Details

Description

Are you passionate about Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)?

Are you interested in working on next-generation air and missile defense systems that are critical to the United States and our allies?

Do you want to be a part of a highly motivated team of GNC subject matter experts that respond to our sponsor's most critical and impactful missile system challenges?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We perform critical research, development, analysis, and testing of weapon systems to address the needs of the Department of Defense. Our hardworking team members develop technical breadth and depth by performing concept development, detailed design, and flight testing with opportunities to support any of the more than ten operational and future interceptor programs in our current portfolio. We collaborate with specialists from across the laboratory to contribute different perspectives and collaborate on groundbreaking interdisciplinary efforts.

As a GNC Engineer, you will...
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate guidance algorithms, flight controls, navigation systems, and/or flight hardware for next-generation guided missiles to intercept advanced, stressing threats
  • Conduct trade, optimization, and sensitivity studies to inform and lead concept development for the next generation of weapon systems.
  • Apply yourself across a diverse work portfolio, including vehicle design and performance evaluations, mission planning, fire control/weapon scheduling, ballistic missile defense, anti-air warfare, hypersonic defense, defensive space control applications, and hardware design.
  • Develop and apply physics-based models and simulations to conceptual design and performance estimation of weapon systems.
  • Provide technical mentorship to junior staff.
  • Guide technical programs to successful outcomes with clear communication to APL partners and sponsors, and identify potential future projects through sponsor engagement and internal research and development.
  • Apply innovative processes outside of the defense domain to supplement APL's offerings to sponsors.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics (or in a related technical field).
  • Have 1 or more years of relevant technical experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Guidance Algorithms
    • Estimation Methods (Extended Kalman, Unscented, and/or Particle Filters)
    • Inertial Navigation (GPS, IMUs)
    • Autopilot design and classical control stability analysis
    • Nonlinear Control; Stochastic processes
    • Optimal Control; Flight Dynamics
    • Modeling and simulation of dynamic systems
    • Hardware design and evaluation
  • Are proficient with a programming language (MATLAB, Python, C , etc.).
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and on multidisciplinary team.
  • Are willing to travel occasionally (<10%) for Sponsor meetings or flight test events.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at ;br>
About Us

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$90,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$230,000 Annually
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000

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