Staff Algorithm Engineer
Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America's aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.
We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service' provider.
For more information visit our website at www.kearfott.com
Staff Algorithm Engineer
Responsibilities
Navigation and Localization
Assist development, analysis, testing, and production support of algorithm functions and subsystems for navigation, localization, estimation, guidance, control, and sensor fusion.
Contribute to the development of advanced navigation algorithms and support the transition of algorithms from simulations into embedded implementations.
Develop and maintain Monte Carlo simulations, covariance analyses, statistical analyses, and other tools used to evaluate algorithm performance.
Analyze requirements, evaluate technical trade-offs, and define algorithm approaches that satisfy accuracy, robustness, real-time, and implementation constraints.
Lead investigations of algorithm anomalies, numerical issues, performance limitations, and integration problems.
Mentor less-experienced engineers and provide technical guidance on algorithm development, analysis, and verification.
Lead or support full-system investigations using simulations, desktop analyses, recorded data, and vehicle or platform testing. Coordinate technical activities with algorithm, software, systems, hardware, and test engineering teams.
Model Based Workflows
Work within and contribute to the Model-Based Design and Systems Engineering workflow, particularly using the MathWorks toolchain.
Develop and maintain MATLAB and Simulink models, simulations, test cases, and analysis tools for algorithm development and verification.
Support requirements tracing from system-level requirements through algorithm design, implementation, and verification.
Assist Software-in-the-Loop, Processor-in-the-Loop, and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing activities.
Support auto-code generation and deployment of algorithms to embedded platforms, including Xilinx Zynq MPSoC, ARM-based processors, and FPGA-based systems.
Participate in model and algorithm design reviews, technical trade studies, and verification planning.
Review algorithm models, generated code, test results, analysis scripts, and technical documentation.
Contribute to improving modeling, coding, verification, configuration-management, and documentation practices.
Sensors
Develop and analyze GPS/GNSS measurement-processing and signal-processing algorithms for navigation and localization applications.
Develop and support algorithms using inertial sensors, including Ring Laser Gyros, Fiber Optic Gyros, and MEMS sensors.
Contribute to inertial sensor calibration, compensation, alignment, error modeling, and performance characterization.
Support the integration and analysis of computer vision and other aiding sensors for navigation and localization applications.
Analyze sensor limitations, error sources, observability, and performance impacts at the subsystem and system levels.
Develop familiarity with chip-scale atomic clocks and timing considerations as they apply to navigation systems.
Required Skills:
Relevant Tool Proficiencies
Strong proficiency with the MathWorks toolchain, including MATLAB, Simulink, and navigation-related Toolboxes and Blocksets.
Modeling and simulation of navigation, estimation, sensor-processing, and control algorithms.
Monte Carlo simulations, covariance analyses, data analysis, and algorithm-performance characterization.
Algorithm testing, verification, validation, and regression testing.
Familiarity with auto-code generation and embedded algorithm implementation.
Software, Processor, and Hardware-in-the-Loop development and verification.
Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; familiarity with object-oriented programming methods.
Familiarity with requirements-management tools, configuration management, and embedded software workflows.
Technical and Analytical Skills
Strong understanding of engineering mathematics, linear algebra, probability, statistics, numerical methods, and estimation theory.
Working knowledge of Kalman filtering, Bayesian estimation, nonlinear filtering, sensor fusion, inertial navigation, and GNSS.
Ability to translate requirements into algorithm designs, interfaces, performance objectives, and verification methods.
Ability to evaluate technical trade-offs and make sound engineering decisions with limited supervision.
Ability to analyze real and simulated data, identify root causes, and communicate technical conclusions clearly.
Ability to lead technical activities, participate in design reviews, and mentor less-experienced engineers.
Ability to collaborate effectively with software, systems, hardware, test, and program teams.
Familiarity with Industry Trends
Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) open standard and pntOS.
Advanced GNSS, inertial navigation, resilient and GPS-denied navigation, and sensor-fusion technologies.
Production-level Kalman filters, navigation-grade IMU algorithms, computer vision, and other aiding-sensor technologies.
Machine learning, artificial intelligence, factor-graph optimization, and other emerging estimation techniques.
Embedded computing trends, real-time implementation, FPGA acceleration, and heterogeneous processing.
Applicable aerospace, defense, safety, and systems-engineering processes.
Education/Experience/Other
M.S. or greater in Engineering (Aerospace, Controls, or Estimation), Physics or Applied Mathematics; Ph.D. preferred
Minimum 7+ years' experience
Travel - Approximately 10% for customer reviews, technical meetings, integration activities, and vehicle or platform test support.
Must be a US Citizen
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $140,000 - $160,000 annually. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.
Additionally, we offer a medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrates our workplace culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
Shift: 1st Shift