Sr. Principal Inertial Systems Engineer (Gyroscope Technologies)

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 workforce. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.

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Sr. Principal Inertial Systems Engineer (Gyroscope Technologies)

Overview

Provides advanced technical leadership, guidance, and hands-on expertise in the design, integration, testing, and performance optimization of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and related inertial navigation components. This role supports engineering teams, product development, algorithm design, and customer-facing technical discussions, ensuring high-accuracy inertial sensing solutions across a variety of platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Expertise & Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical authority on IMU technologies, architectures, and performance characteristics.
• Provide guidance on IMU selection, calibration, error modeling, sensor fusion, and environmental considerations.
• Evaluate and compare IMU performance across Resonating Gyroscopes, FOG's.

System Integration & Engineering

• Support integration of IMUs into navigation, guidance, positioning, or stabilization systems.
• Work with cross-functional teams to develop algorithms for sensor fusion (e.g., INS/GPS, EKF, UKF).
• Assist in defining system-level requirements, specifications, and performance thresholds.

Product Development & Support

• Implementation of SW, Firmware, and electronics to achieve integrated products
• Provide detailed technical documentation, white papers, and reports.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a technical SME during customer briefings, design reviews, and program meetings.
• Translate complex IMU concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
• Assist in proposal development and provide subject matter expertise for R&D efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Robotics, or related field
• 15-20 years IMU development experience
• Technical leadership on significant design activities
• Participated in or led multiple development efforts (well-rounded and experienced)
• Full development cycle: Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Qualify, Transition to Production, Fielding
• Experience in resonating gyros preferred, fiber optic gyros a secondary preference
• Expert knowledge of sensor physics, first principles, algorithms, control loops, adaptations, refinements – leader in field for the organization
• Implementation of SW, Firmware, and electronics to achieve integrated products
• Proven track record on delivery of successful IMU products
• Team player; proficient at mentoring
• Innovative problem solver
• Must be a US Citizen

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $165,000 - $195,000 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