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# Mission Design / Navigation Engineer

- **Company:** The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
- **Location:** North Laurel, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $105,000.0 - $290,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Access Network, Agile Methodology, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Dynamical Systems, Fortran (Programming Language), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Numerical Computing, Information Technology
- **Published:** October 31, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/18791003/Mission-Design-Navigation-Engineer-Maryland-Laurel

## About the Role

Are you passionate about astrodynamics, optimization, spacecraft navigation, and modern computing?

Would you love to apply your technical knowledge and creativity to make innovative contributions to some of the nation's most challenging and rewarding space missions?

Are you searching for a collaborative, fulfilling work environment?, * Possess a MS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related field.

 * Have significant coursework in the astrodynamics, optimization, dynamical systems, mathematics, navigation techniques, and computer science.
 * Have at least 4 years of experience in spacecraft mission design, navigation, or another rigorous technical field.
 * Possess or are willing to acquire knowledge of GPS, ground-based orbit estimation techniques, or optical navigation techniques.
 * Are skilled in analytical and numerical computing, such as C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Python, and/or Java.
 * Are willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI security 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...

 * Possess a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
 * Have at least 10 years of experience in spacecraft mission design, navigation, or another rigorous technical field.
 * Have experience with cloud computing, estimation theory, evolutionary algorithms, convex/stochastic optimization or have taught related courses.
 * Have experience participating in agile software development projects involving many stake holders.
 * Have experience in common astrodynamics software environments such as Monte, STK, ODTK, Copernicus, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.
 * Possess an active Top Secret clearance (or above).
 * Have possessed and are familiar with network access to DoD related systems.

## Description

We are seeking a self-motivated engineer who will lead and participate with our mission design / navigation teams with both the civil space and national security space mission areas, from conception to flight. You will have the opportunity to support both pre-launch mission development and post-launch optimization and planning. Contributing directly to our continuously evolving code-base and individually pursuing IR&D funding, you will work with our team to ensure that APL is on the cutting edge of trajectory design and spacecraft navigation. We are passionate about our work, striving to cultivate an environment of partnership and collaboration, and committed to making critical contributions to critical challenges.
As a Mission Design / Navigation Engineer...

 * Your primary responsibility will be trajectory design of Earth, Cislunar, Lunar, and interplanetary space missions for both civilian and DoD applications.
 * You will design and evaluate mission concepts by drawing from a strong understanding of first principles and from modern or high-performance computing methods.
 * You will provide intellectual leadership to emerging mission concepts and methods of analysis.
 * You will hold a vital role on projects while working across teams composed of experts in other engineering disciplines, scientists, and program managers.
 * You will be expected to contribute to cutting edge trajectory design and navigation methodologies through independent research and development.
 * You will be expected to leverage and garner relationships across industry and academia to tackle our most critical challenges.
 * You will be required to stay abreast of recent advances in academia and industry and apply these concepts to problems of interest.