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Autonomous Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wing

Navigation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

This position seeks a Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineer who has experience creating reliable advanced autonomy algorithms for aerospace systems. We are looking for people who are capable of ...

Diligent Robotics

Sr. ML Engineer, Autonomous Navigation

$107K - $146.90K/yr

As a Sr. ML Engineer, Autonomous Navigation, you will develop learning-based navigation models that enable Moxi to move naturally and safely around people, beds, wheelchairs, and equipment. You'll ...

Wing

Navigation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$182K - $242K/yr

This position seeks a Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineer who has experience creating reliable advanced autonomy algorithms for aerospace systems. We are looking for people who are capable of ...

Xona

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

... autonomous systems). • Serve as a technical liaison with payload software and systems engineering, ensuring navigation requirements flow down correctly to flight software and hardware interfaces.

Mach Industries

Navigation Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

... generation autonomous defense platforms . At the core of our mission is the commitment to ... Engineering, Physics, Mathematics. * Experience: 1+ years of building and shipping Navigation ...

Talentry, LLC

Be Seen First

Machine Learning Guru (Autonomous Navigation)**

Houston, TX · Remote

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior/Principal Machine Learning Engineer 200-300k Remote position possible Description * Develop ... Work on cutting-edge autonomous navigation technology. * Opportunity to contribute to world-first ...

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Autonomous Navigation Engineer information

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$25

$53

$76

How much do autonomous navigation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous navigation engineer in the United States is $53.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $62.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autonomous Navigation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Navigation Engineer, you need a solid background in robotics, computer vision, sensor fusion, and algorithm development, typically supported by a degree in computer science, robotics, or a related field. Proficiency with programming languages such as C++ and Python, experience with ROS (Robot Operating System), and familiarity with simulation tools like Gazebo are commonly required, along with relevant certifications in robotics or AI. Problem-solving ability, adaptability, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital to developing reliable autonomous navigation systems and ensuring collaboration in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are some common challenges Autonomous Navigation Engineers face when integrating their algorithms with real-world hardware?

Autonomous Navigation Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning navigation algorithms from simulation to real-world hardware. These include dealing with sensor noise, unexpected environmental variables, and computational limitations on embedded systems. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and field testing teams is crucial to iteratively refine algorithms and ensure reliable performance. Strong troubleshooting skills and adaptability are essential, as engineers must frequently address issues that only arise during real-world deployment.

What does an Autonomous Navigation Engineer do?

An Autonomous Navigation Engineer designs, develops, and tests systems that enable vehicles or robots to navigate environments without human intervention. They work on technologies such as sensors, mapping, localization, and path-planning algorithms to ensure safe and efficient movement. Their work is crucial for applications in self-driving cars, drones, and robotic systems across various industries. Autonomous Navigation Engineers often collaborate with software developers, hardware engineers, and researchers to integrate and optimize navigation capabilities.

What is the difference between Autonomous Navigation Engineer vs Robotics Software Engineer?

AspectAutonomous Navigation EngineerRobotics Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering; experience with SLAM, sensor fusionBachelor's or Master's in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fields; programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentDevelops algorithms for autonomous vehicles, drones, or robots in research labs or industryDesigns software for various robotic systems, often in manufacturing or research settings
Industry UsageAutonomous vehicle companies, drone manufacturers, robotics startupsRobotics firms, automation companies, research institutions

While both roles involve robotics and software development, Autonomous Navigation Engineers focus specifically on creating algorithms for autonomous movement and perception, whereas Robotics Software Engineers develop broader robotic applications and systems. The navigation role emphasizes sensor integration and path planning, making it more specialized within the robotics field.

Infographic showing various Autonomous Navigation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,552 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
Navigation Engineer

Navigation Engineer

Wing

Palo Alto, CA

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

Wing is looking for a Navigation Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) team. This role will be based in Palo Alto, CA, or remote within the United States. This position seeks a Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineer who has experience creating reliable advanced autonomy algorithms for aerospace systems. We are looking for people who are capable of developing highly practical algorithmic solutions to address operational needs for our drone delivery system. The candidate thrives in a cross-functional multidisciplinary environment with software, electrical, mechanical, flight test, and embedded software engineers.  

What You'll Do: 

  • Create and own innovative and reliable Guidance, Navigation, and Control solutions for our autonomous aircraft fleet to drive business impact and commercial success.
  • Provide expertise in various sensor modalities, including GNSS and inertial systems, and their integration into broader autonomous aircraft systems.
  • Perform analysis on GNSS sensor data ranging from prototypes to large-scale production operations to inform requirements and designs and implement solutions to improve performance for business impact and commercial success.
  • Create analyses, establish requirements, write and review design documents, implement code, and perform verification and validation of productionized flightworthy software in MATLAB, Python, and/or C++.
  • Share deep technical knowledge with the broader team on GNSS and  inertial navigation modalities, including design, implementation, verification and validation techniques.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally between aircraft software, perception, hardware, and test teams.
  • Develop filtering solutions, such as Kalman Filters and other linear and non-linear filters, to fuse information from a variety of sensor technologies.
  • Conduct trade studies for sensor and algorithm designs. Perform risk assessments of different types of algorithms as applied to real-world scenarios.
  • Have ownership and cognisance of systems throughout the entire life-cycle: concept, design, implementation, lab and flight testing and evaluation, fielding, and support.

What You'll Need: 

  • 8+ years of experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control for aerospace systems.
  • MS degree, PhD, or equivalent practical experience in Aerospace, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience working on multi-sensor fusion navigation systems for aerospace systems, including GNSS/INS integration.
  • Experience writing embedded safety critical software in C++, Matlab, and/or Python.
  • Technical depth in at least two of the following areas: aircraft dynamics and control, multi-modal sensor fusion, contingency management, GNSS position engine development, INS/GNSS navigation system development, UAV path planning algorithms, and/or GNC simulation and data analysis.
  • Expertise in Kalman Filtering and other estimation methods.

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