Navigation Systems Engineer
Johns Hopkins University APL
Laurel, MD · Posted November 9, 2026
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About the job
Description
Are you looking to apply your systems engineering experience to provide insight into some of the most unique navigation challenges in the US Navy?
Are you interested in joining a team of engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists as we pursue innovative solutions to precision navigation challenges under constantly evolving environments?
If so, then we want you on our team! We are seeking a motivated Navigation Systems Engineer to ensure the US Navy has the most accurate and reliable navigation systems in the world. Our efforts support missions of the utmost importance to the United States in increasingly challenging environments. You will provide critical insight towards multiple US Military platforms with a focus on the US Navy's Submarine Force.
As a Navigation Systems Engineer...
You will provide systems engineering and MBSE thought leadership focusing on requirements analysis, the development and modeling of system architectures, concept/technology assessments and test & evaluation for precision navigation systems supporting the US Navy and other Military platforms.
You will develop an understanding of the current & future navigation systems along with insight into the evolving mission needs.
You will apply systems engineering principles to ensure mission-critical objectives are met, through integrated solutions that address current operational requirements.
You will coordinate the analysis on current and future navigation system capabilities and performance, as well as provide supporting data and associated recommendations to advise government program sponsors.
You will deliver formal presentations and/or well-written technical documents to sponsors and contractors that effectively communicate analysis results and
You will join a highly talented and motivated team of mathematicians, engineers and physicists focused on navigation analysis with many opportunities to collaborate with other innovative experts from a variety of technical fields.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a B.S. in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
Have 2 years of experience in inertial navigation technical concepts.
Have proven experience in systems engineering in the conceptual design, requirements analysis, conduct of trade studies, and test program planning across the system
Have strong knowledge of SysML in support of specification, analysis, design, verification, and validation of systems and systems of systems.
Have proven experience developing and refining the functional and physical design of systems and/or systems-of-systems architectures
Have the verbal and writing skills and disposition necessary for documenting and presenting work to APL colleagues and government sponsors.
Enjoy solving challenging technical problems requiring both self-motivated independent investigation and collaborative team effort.
Are willing and able to travel periodically, including short duration visits to sponsor offices at the Washington Navy Yard and to supporting contractor sites, as well as occasional travel to other military bases across the country.
Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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 Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
Have an advanced degree in systems engineering
Are proficient in the use of systems engineering software, especially MBSE tools like Magic Draw, DOORS, Cameo Enterprise Architecture and/or MATLAB Simulink to solve challenging problems.
Have experience with AFSIM or similar software.
Have demonstrated understanding of US Navy navigation
Have familiarity with US Navy Strategic Systems Programs technical and programmatic processes
Have a Top Secret security clearance
About Us
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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers .
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 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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu .
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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
Are you looking to apply your systems engineering experience to provide insight into some of the most unique navigation challenges in the US Navy?
Are you interested in joining a team of engineers, applied mathematicians and physicists as we pursue innovative solutions to precision navigation challenges under constantly evolving environments?
If so, then we want you on our team! We are seeking a motivated Navigation Systems Engineer to ensure the US Navy has the most accurate and reliable navigation systems in the world. Our efforts support missions of the utmost importance to the United States in increasingly challenging environments. You will provide critical insight towards multiple US Military platforms with a focus on the US Navy's Submarine Force.
As a Navigation Systems Engineer...
You will provide systems engineering and MBSE thought leadership focusing on requirements analysis, the development and modeling of system architectures, concept/technology assessments and test & evaluation for precision navigation systems supporting the US Navy and other Military platforms.
You will develop an understanding of the current & future navigation systems along with insight into the evolving mission needs.
You will apply systems engineering principles to ensure mission-critical objectives are met, through integrated solutions that address current operational requirements.
You will coordinate the analysis on current and future navigation system capabilities and performance, as well as provide supporting data and associated recommendations to advise government program sponsors.
You will deliver formal presentations and/or well-written technical documents to sponsors and contractors that effectively communicate analysis results and
You will join a highly talented and motivated team of mathematicians, engineers and physicists focused on navigation analysis with many opportunities to collaborate with other innovative experts from a variety of technical fields.
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a B.S. in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
Have 2 years of experience in inertial navigation technical concepts.
Have proven experience in systems engineering in the conceptual design, requirements analysis, conduct of trade studies, and test program planning across the system
Have strong knowledge of SysML in support of specification, analysis, design, verification, and validation of systems and systems of systems.
Have proven experience developing and refining the functional and physical design of systems and/or systems-of-systems architectures
Have the verbal and writing skills and disposition necessary for documenting and presenting work to APL colleagues and government sponsors.
Enjoy solving challenging technical problems requiring both self-motivated independent investigation and collaborative team effort.
Are willing and able to travel periodically, including short duration visits to sponsor offices at the Washington Navy Yard and to supporting contractor sites, as well as occasional travel to other military bases across the country.
Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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 Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
Have an advanced degree in systems engineering
Are proficient in the use of systems engineering software, especially MBSE tools like Magic Draw, DOORS, Cameo Enterprise Architecture and/or MATLAB Simulink to solve challenging problems.
Have experience with AFSIM or similar software.
Have demonstrated understanding of US Navy navigation
Have familiarity with US Navy Strategic Systems Programs technical and programmatic processes
Have a Top Secret security clearance