Alternative Navigation Systems Engineer

Description

Join the Leidos Innovation Center (LInC) team focused on developing and demonstrating cutting-edge alternative navigation technologies to fulfill urgent military needs in GPS-denied environments. This position emphasizes innovative navigation systems utilizing magnetic and gravity fields among other geophysical sources. As part of a dynamic team of engineers, you will engage in agile project environments, working diligently to meet ambitious schedules aimed at rapid deployment of new capabilities. Our expertise includes sensor fusion, computer vision, hardware/software integration, and machine learning, with clients like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). We are seeking candidates passionate about tackling challenging technical projects, leading talented engineers, and driving new business initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop mathematical algorithms for alternative navigation software, focusing on synthetic aperture radar processing for various platforms.
• Implement signal processing algorithms to optimize sensor data conditioning and correlation with pre-existing geophysical databases, utilizing classical techniques and cutting-edge deep learning methods.
• Develop advanced mathematical models to represent sensor errors and construct navigation filters, including Extended Kalman Filters and Incremental Batch Filters.
• Lead the integration and development of physics-based navigation simulations incorporating navigation error models and six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) vehicle dynamics.
• Conduct covariance analysis for integrated alternative navigation systems.
• Facilitate integration with commercial off-the-shelf drone autopilot systems (PX4 and ArduPilot).
• Oversee hardware/software integration and field testing of prototype navigation technologies.
• Act as the technical lead for navigation projects, mentoring a team of 4 to 6 junior engineers.
• Deliver presentations to senior government and commercial clients regarding project updates and new business opportunities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent) with at least 8 years of experience, or a Master's with 6+ years, or a Doctorate.
• Proficiency in programming languages including Matlab, Python, Julia, and/or C/C++.
• Proven leadership experience in navigation technology projects relevant to military or commercial sectors.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated capability of leading research and development initiatives.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens capable of obtaining a Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in an advanced technical field with 4+ years of experience in navigation technology development.
• Experience leading projects that successfully resulted in operational navigation technologies.
• Prior experience presenting to senior military and government officials (O-6 and above).
• History of leading competitive technical proposals that secured new projects, especially for DARPA or military research labs.
• Current security clearance at the Secret level or above.
• Background in developing magnetic and gravity-based navigation systems.

LInC

Come innovate and build smarter solutions.

We tackle unconventional challenges head-on, providing high-stakes solutions through ingenuity and technology.

Original Posting: August 4, 2025

Note: This job requisition is expected to remain open for at least 3 days from its posting date.

Pay Range: Pay Range $104,650.00 - $189,175.00

The pay range for this position serves as a guideline and may vary based on role responsibilities, education, experience, and skills among other factors.