Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer

Company: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: College Park
Posted on: March 15, 2026

Job Description:

Description Are you excited about applying your knowledge, skills and talents to solve some of the most complex problems encountered in defending our nation? Would you like to contribute to the design and evaluation of tracking and data fusion systems supporting highly-impactful warfighter capabilities? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. The Multi-Domain Sensing Architectures and Data Fusion Group is a team that possesses a deep knowledge of sensing, tracking, and data fusion algorithms and architectures. We are seeking a senior data fusion and tracking engineer to help us create and evaluate low-level fusion algorithms, incorporating available information from multiple, sometimes disparate, sources. We also aim to exploit the strengths of each sensor to ensure robust capability for operation in any adversarial environment. Through persistence, research, and innovation, we provide crucial breakthroughs on seemingly intractable problems. We care deeply about our staff members and work hard to provide them a supportive environment where they can thrive and grow as professionals. As a senior data fusion and tracking engineer Your primary responsibility will be evaluating and evolving tracking and data fusion algorithms and system designs, often as a part of a larger architecture or system-of-systems effort You will collaborate with internal and external teams to identify and address complex technical problems You will design and conduct studies providing algorithmic proof-of-concept and develop system design recommendations based on quantitative analysis You will develop and present analysis packages and briefings for our sponsors and other key audiences Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you Possess a BS in mathematics, electrical engineering, statistics, or related technical field Have 5 years of experience developing and evaluating tracking and data fusion algorithms and systems, including identifying and addressing design issues Have demonstrated subject matter expertise in relevant technical areas: data association and correlation, state-estimation, Kalman filtering, track-level fusion, distributed data fusion, characterization of sensor information, common tracking measures of performance Are skilled in conducting assessments using modeling, simulation, and data analysis in MATLAB, Python, or similar programming language Have strong communication skills and are experienced in creating and presenting briefing materials appropriate for sponsors and other external organizations Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed Hold an active Secret security clearance, and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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 MS or PhD in applied mathematics, electrical engineering, statistics, or related technical field Have 7 years of experience developing and evaluating tracking and data fusion algorithms and systems Experience mentoring junior staff and/or demonstrated ability to successfully lead small teams Hold an active Top Secret security clearance, and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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. LI-KW1 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 http://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 Accommodations@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

Keywords: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory , Frederick , Senior Data Fusion and Tracking Systems Engineer, Engineering , College Park, Maryland