Staff Navigation Engineer

SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors.

We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders.

At SandboxAQ, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we’re building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact.

This unique opportunity is part of the AQNav Team, which is responsible for technology development, advanced concepts, design, development, delivery, integration and test, verification and validation, and operation of developing novel navigational methods using Magnetic Navigation as a GNSS alternative. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to bring new and exciting technologies to market.

As a Navigation Software Engineer, you will work for SandboxAQ’s MagNav Team, developing product capabilities and conducting cutting-edge research and technology development in guidance, navigation, and control systems utilizing novel navigation techniques.

In this role, you will join a small, agile engineering team prototyping, developing, and producing algorithms for novel MagNav systems.

• As a navigation software engineer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing state estimation and localization algorithms, with a strong focus on batch estimation and optimization approaches that are aimed at improving navigation accuracy.

• You will work with applied science teams on state-of-the-art R&D integrating and conceiving navigation techniques for novel Quantum signals.

Other responsibilities include:

• Conceiving, designing, analyzing, and developing components of the navigation solution from a software perspective.

• Identifying metrics assessing the performance of navigation solutions and developing and implementing testing and verification.

• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or any field specializing in robotics and 5+ years of development experience.

• U.S. Citizenship is required due to USG contract requirements.

• Proficiency in C++

• Familiarity with software development, git-based development, and unit testing.

• Experience with the development of simulations.

• Experience with hardware/software integration of navigation sensors.

• Familiarity with techniques for state estimation, tracking & localization (e.g. Bayesian Filtering, Kalman Filtering, Particle Filtering).

• Familiar with navigation systems and algorithms, including GNSS and INS.

• Experience with validating the performance of navigation systems.

Additionally, working knowledge of the following are desirable:

• CUDA

• SLAM

• GPS Fundamentals

• GNSS / IMU Integration

• Experience with map-based navigation

• Digital Signal Processing/Communications Theory

• Intellectual curiosity and desire to learn

• Experience implementing navigation algorithms in real-time systems

• Passion for physics or knowledge of aeronautics

• Doer attitude with a startup mindset who enjoys working with a diverse & nimble team. No task is too big or too small!

• Hands-on experience working with sensor measurements collected from real-world systems

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work.

• Compensation: Competitive base salary, performance-based incentives or bonuses (where applicable), and equity participation.

• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents with generous employer premium contributions, retirement savings with company matching, paid parental leave, and inclusive family-building benefits.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, company-wide seasonal breaks, and support for flexible work arrangements that enable sustainable performance.

• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth through on-the-job development, cross-functional collaboration, and access to internal learning and development programs.

We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.

Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.

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