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Advanced Navigation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Navigation Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

About the role Forterra is seeking a Navigation Lead to lead the design, development, and ... Architect and guide the development of GNSS/INS-based localization systems using advanced state ...

Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) Special Staff Officer (SSO) Location: DC Metro Area This is an ... Advanced Concepts and Skills * CLR 151: Analysis of Alternatives * RQM 2500 / CLR 250: Capabilities ...

Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) Special Staff Officer (SSO) Location: DC Metro Area This is an ... Advanced Concepts and Skills * CLR 151: Analysis of Alternatives * RQM 2500 / CLR 250: Capabilities ...

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

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Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

New

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

New

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

New

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

New

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

New

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

New

Job Title : Advanced Electronics / Computer Field (ET/FC) Category / Component : Enlisted • ... navigation, local area networks, weapons fire control, and Aegis combat systems. ETs and FCs form ...

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Showing results 1-20

Advanced Navigation information

See Washington salary details

$44.2K

$120.8K

$188K

How much do advanced navigation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for advanced navigation in Washington is $120,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Advanced Navigation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Advanced Navigation role, you need a solid background in navigation systems engineering, geospatial analysis, and sensor integration, often supported by a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with tools such as GPS/GNSS, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and advanced software like MATLAB or Simulink, as well as certifications such as PMP or relevant aerospace credentials, is advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure accurate and reliable navigation solutions in complex operational environments, supporting safety and mission success.

What is an Advanced Navigation job?

An Advanced Navigation job typically involves working with cutting-edge navigation technologies, including GPS, inertial navigation systems, and autonomous positioning solutions. Professionals in this field develop, test, and improve navigation systems used in industries such as aerospace, defense, robotics, and marine exploration. Roles may include software development, hardware engineering, or research in positioning algorithms. Strong expertise in sensor fusion, machine learning, and control systems is often required.

What are some of the main challenges faced in an Advanced Navigation role?

Professionals in Advanced Navigation often encounter challenges such as integrating multiple sensor inputs for precise positioning, mitigating signal interference, and accommodating rapidly changing operational conditions. You may work on cross-functional teams with engineers, software developers, and project managers to solve navigation-related issues and develop new solutions. Staying current on evolving technologies and regulatory standards is also key, as the industry is continuously advancing. Successfully navigating these challenges requires analytical thinking, technical expertise, and collaboration with colleagues to deliver reliable navigation systems.

What are popular job titles related to Advanced Navigation jobs in Washington? For Advanced Navigation jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Navigation Lead

Forterra

Arlington, VA • On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

About Forterra
At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.
Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.
About the role
Forterra is seeking a Navigation Lead to lead the design, development, and deployment of robust localization systems for autonomous vehicles operating in complex, real-world environments. This role will own the technical direction and execution of GNSS/INS-based localization and state estimation, while building and leading a high-performing engineering team.
The ideal candidate combines deep hands-on expertise in state estimation and sensor fusion with proven experience leading engineers, setting technical vision, and delivering production-ready autonomy software.
What you'll do
  • Technical Leadership & Strategy
    • Own the technical vision and roadmap for localization and state estimation across Forterra's autonomous systems
    • Architect and guide the development of GNSS/INS-based localization systems using advanced state estimation and sensor fusion techniques
    • Drive algorithmic choices for Kalman filtering, non-linear optimization, sensor calibration, and error modeling
    • Ensure localization solutions are robust, scalable, and performant across diverse vehicle platforms and operating environments
  • Team Leadership & Execution
    • Build, mentor, and lead a team of state estimation and localization engineers
    • Provide technical guidance, code and design reviews, and career development for team members
    • Set clear goals, priorities, and success metrics for the localization team
    • Balance hands-on technical contribution with delegation and coaching
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner closely with autonomy, perception, hardware, and vehicle integration teams to define system requirements and interfaces
    • Translate product and vehicle requirements into executable technical plans
    • Collaborate with testing and operations teams to validate localization performance in simulation, data playback, and on-vehicle testing
  • Validation & Deployment
    • Oversee testing and evaluation of localization software in simulation, log replay, and real-world vehicle deployments
    • Support on-site vehicle testing as needed to debug and improve system performance
    • Ensure localization systems meet reliability, safety, and performance targets for production use

Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Engineering or a related field
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in state estimation, localization, or navigation systems
  • 3+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers (formal or informal)
  • Deep expertise in Kalman filtering (EKF, UKF, etc.) and real-time state estimation techniques (led product development)
  • Strong background in non-linear optimization (e.g., gradient descent, Levenberg-Marquardt)
  • Strong foundation in linear algebra and computational mathematics
  • Hands-on experience with GNSS/IMU/INS systems, sensor fusion, calibration, and error modeling
  • Proficiency in C++ (some Python, Matlab)
  • Proven ability to design and deliver complex, production-quality software systems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing localization and navigation systems for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles
  • Experience across multiple vehicle types (e.g., large trucks, off-road vehicles, skid steers) (aerospace is also OK, but prefer ground vehicles)
  • Familiarity with industry-standard navigation software, GNSS hardware, and tooling
  • Experience scaling algorithms from research to real-world deployment
  • Strong communication skills and comfort working across hardware and software teams

US Salary Range
$180,000 - $300,000
Location
On-site in Clarksburg, MD or Arlington, VA
The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:
  • Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
  • Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
  • A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
  • A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
  • Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in all personnel practices. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran and disability status, and criminal history, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Forterra is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.
To see Forterra's candidate data privacy policy, please visit Forterra Legal | Job Applicant Privacy Notice.