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Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation Jobs in Washington, DC

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Develop and maintain guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities within PX4 and ... Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms * Strong written and verbal ...

Develop and maintain guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities within PX4 and ... Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms * Strong written and verbal ...

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Develop and maintain guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities within PX4 and ... Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms * Strong written and verbal ...

Showing results 21-40

Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation information

What are some common challenges faced when implementing Kalman filtering for inertial navigation systems?

One common challenge in this role is managing sensor noise and drift, which can significantly affect the accuracy of inertial navigation solutions. You'll need to carefully tune filter parameters and sometimes integrate additional sensor data (like GPS or magnetometers) to improve robustness. Collaboration with hardware teams is typical, as understanding sensor characteristics is crucial for optimal filter performance. Additionally, real-time processing constraints often require you to optimize algorithms for efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kalman filtering inertial navigation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation Engineer, you need a solid background in control systems, signal processing, and estimation theory, generally supported by a degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, sensor fusion algorithms, and experience implementing Kalman filters in embedded systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and solve complex problems. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure accurate navigation solutions and robust system performance in real-world applications.

What is Kalman filtering in inertial navigation?

Kalman Filtering in inertial navigation refers to the use of a mathematical algorithm—the Kalman filter—to estimate the position, velocity, and orientation of a moving object by processing data from inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. The Kalman filter improves the accuracy of navigation by optimally combining sensor measurements and correcting for errors and noise. This technique is essential in applications like aerospace, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, where precise movement tracking is required. By continuously updating estimates as new sensor data arrives, Kalman filtering helps provide reliable and real-time navigation solutions.

What is the difference between Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation vs INS Algorithm Developer?

AspectKalman Filtering Inertial NavigationINS Algorithm Developer
CredentialsEngineering degrees, knowledge of Kalman filters, navigation systemsEngineering degrees, expertise in navigation algorithms, sensor fusion
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, defense, autonomous vehicle developmentSoftware development, simulation, embedded systems in similar industries
Industry UsageDesign and implementation of navigation systems using Kalman filtersDeveloping algorithms for inertial navigation systems, improving accuracy

Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation focuses on applying Kalman filters to process sensor data for navigation accuracy, while INS Algorithm Developers design and optimize algorithms for inertial navigation systems. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in their primary focus: one on filtering techniques, the other on algorithm development.

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Infographic showing various Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

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Re-posted 24 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

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Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

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Job description

Description
Are you excited by the thought of evaluating missile and hypersonic aerospace vehicle performance using advanced simulation tools and real flight test data?
Are you up to the challenge of working with and learning from specialists in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and state estimation?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an inquisitive engineer with a background and strong interest in Inertial Navigation, Guidance, Control, and Estimation to help us evaluate the performance of our nation's most advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile systems.
As a GN&C Flight Analyst, you will...
  • Analyze flight test data from GNC telemetry and navigation sensors including inertial measurement units (IMU), Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, RADAR, or other sensor systems.
  • Develop proficiency with analysis tools and methods to understand overall flight performance of ballistic and hypersonic missile and reentry systems.
  • Support the design, development, and maintenance of flight analysis software and procedures required to evaluate current and future flight system performance.
  • Present findings to a broad internal audience as well as sponsors and external organizations at working groups, post-flight briefings, and program reviews.
  • Collaborate with experts in industry and academia to gain a better understanding of weapon system performance and accuracy.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics (or closely related technical field).
  • Have 1+ years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: Optimal Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, Flight Dynamics, Flight Data Analysis, or Guidance and Controls Performance Analysis.
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally (potentially 2-3 trips per year with a duration of one week or less).
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have an M.S. (or above) in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field) or 3+ years of relevant professional experience.
  • Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
  • Have experience evaluating the performance of aerospace vehicles using real-world test data (IMU, GPS, RADAR, or similar) and have a strong understanding of their dynamics.
  • Have experience evaluating aerospace vehicle Guidance and Control performance and stability
  • Have proficiency with simulation tools (functional or covariance) that predict the performance of dynamic systems.
  • Are proficient in Matlab object-oriented programming.
  • Currently hold an active Secret clearance (or above).

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

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