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Autonomous Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Geophysical Navigation Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Serve as a Geophysical Navigation Engineer for the Leidos Contested Autonomy and Navigation Branch in Huntsville, AL. Our team's mission is to: (1) develop and demonstrate new alternative navigation ...

Helsing

Senior Navigation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

The role Autonomous UAS depend on precise, resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) to ... As a GNSS and Navigation Engineer, you will own one of the most mission-critical capabilities for ...

Cydecor, Inc

$98K - $130K/yr

Develop and enhance autonomous navigation and path-planning capabilities, including waypoint navigation, geofencing, dynamic routing, obstacle avoidance, and collision detection. * Integrate software ...

Leidos

Geophysical Navigation Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$87K - $157K/yr

Serve as a Geophysical Navigation Engineer for the Leidos Contested Autonomy and Navigation Branch in Huntsville, AL. Our team's mission is to: (1) develop and demonstrate new alternative navigation ...

Textron

Autonomous Systems Engineer

Augusta, GA · On-site

$157K/yr

Integrate autonomous hardware and software with vehicle electrical, controls, and sensor systems ... Navigation algorithms (A*, DWA, Pure Pursuit, MPC). RTK GPS integration and localization techniques.

Textron

Autonomous Systems Engineer

Augusta, GA · On-site

$157K/yr

Integrate autonomous hardware and software with vehicle electrical, controls, and sensor systems ... Navigation algorithms (A*, DWA, Pure Pursuit, MPC). RTK GPS integration and localization techniques.

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Autonomous Navigation Engineer information

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$25

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How much do autonomous navigation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous navigation engineer?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Navigation Engineer jobs?

For Autonomous Navigation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Autonomous Navigation Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,552 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Xona Space Systems, Inc
Library and Information Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Xona Space Systems, Incexternal

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and optimization of algorithms for precise positioning, orbit determination, and clock estimation.

  • Develop and validate atmospheric correction models and define fault detection frameworks for safety-critical applications.

  • Serve as a technical liaison to ensure navigation requirements are integrated into flight software and hardware interfaces.

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
We're seeking a Senior Navigation Engineer to lead critical initiatives within our Navigation Software team the brain of our satellite system. In this role, you'll drive the technical direction for our core positioning and timing capabilities, mentor junior engineers, and bridge the gap between algorithm development and flight-ready implementation.
You'll own the architecture and development of key subsystems including:
  • Precise Positioning: Design and optimize algorithms for centimeter-level accuracy in real-time and post-processed solutions.
  • Orbit Determination: Lead development of OD pipelines, including filter tuning, maneuver handling, and multi-GNSS fusion strategies.
  • Clock Estimation: Architect timing solutions that meet stringent stability requirements across the constellation.
  • Atmospheric Modeling: Develop and validate ionospheric and tropospheric correction models, integrating external data sources as needed.
  • Integrity Monitoring: Define fault detection and exclusion frameworks to support safety-critical applications (aviation, maritime, autonomous systems).

You'll also serve as a technical liaison with payload software and systems engineering, ensuring navigation requirements flow down correctly to flight software and hardware interfaces.
Required Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in GNSS-based navigation, state estimation, or related domains (aerospace, autonomous systems, geodesy).
  • Deep expertise in statistical estimation-extended/unscented Kalman filters, batch least squares, factor graphs, or similar.
  • Proven track record shipping navigation algorithms from prototype to production.
  • Strong Python skills for rapid prototyping and analysis; proficiency in C++ for flight or embedded implementations.
  • Experience with GNSS data formats (RINEX, SP3, RTCM) and tools (GIPSY, Bernese, or similar).
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics, reference frames, and time systems.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with LEO PNT or multi-constellation/multi-frequency processing.
  • Background in integrity and protection level computation (ARAIM, SBAS concepts).
  • Prior work on real-time navigation systems with latency and throughput constraints.
  • History of mentoring engineers or leading small technical teams.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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