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.
For more information visit our website at www.kearfott.com
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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, 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 (full development cycle: Requirements, Design, Build, Test, Qualify, Transition to Production, Fielding)
- Experience in resonating gyros
- Experience with fiber optic gyros (FOG)
- Expert knowledge of sensor physics, first principles, algorithms, control loops, and error modeling
- Experience developing sensor fusion algorithms (e.g., INS/GPS integration, EKF, UKF)
- Implementation experience with software, firmware, and electronics for integrated products
- Proven track record delivering successful IMU products
- Strong mentoring, communication, and technical writing skills
- Must be a US Citizen
What We Do
Kearfott Corporation is a leader in the design, manufacture, and support of high-performance guidance, navigation, and motion-control products. The company provides cutting-edge technology for aerospace, defense, energy exploration, and unmanned system markets, serving both military and commercial applications globally across sea, land, air, and space environments.
