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Autonomous Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous navigation and control systems for our lunar rovers. Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics ...

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous navigation and control systems for our lunar rovers. Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics ...

Autonomy Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

As an Autonomy Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge ... autonomous navigation and control systems for our lunar rovers and orbital assets. Working at the ...

Autonomy Engineer, Senior

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$103.20K - $141.80K/yr

Required : • 3+ years of experience in software engineering, including AI/ML systems • ... autonomous navigation systems • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance • Bachelor's degree ...

As an Autonomy Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge ... autonomous navigation and control systems for our lunar rovers and orbital assets. Working at the ...

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous navigation and control systems for our lunar rovers. Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics ...

As an Autonomy Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge ... autonomous navigation and control systems for our lunar rovers and orbital assets. Working at the ...

ARi is a fast-growing global engineering firm headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA. Our power of ... Develop and maintain software for autonomous navigation, perception, and control systems using ROS ...

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Autonomous Navigation Engineer information

See salary details

$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 (Experienced or Senior)

Navigation Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Boeing

Herndon, VA • On-site

$107.50K - $147.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 585 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Navigation Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Electronic & Intelligence Systems (E&IS) seeks a Navigation Engineer to deliver best solutions for today's complex undersea engineering challenges. Products range from Autonomous Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs) to unique Integrated underwater solutions. We work for a variety of customers and on a variety of precision Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) development efforts.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Support development of cutting-edge models, simulation tools, and navigation strategies for systems using sensor aided navigation techniques for a variety of applications in undersea environments.
  • Evaluate system level requirements and establish navigation system design requirements to support design realization.
  • Interact with some of the world's top navigation equipment suppliers, military experts, and civilian experts while participating in team efforts to design products and review and analyze data to ensure compliance to requirements.
  • Support developing and analyzing navigation system mechanizations, error and performance models, and component error budgets.
  • Collect and review data from hardware-in-the-loop and system and component tests to measure and validate navigation performance against design requirements.
  • Support candidate sensor system evaluation to increase navigation performance, decrease cost, and ensure compliance to requirements.
  • Analyze system and component test results and identify trade opportunities to optimize performance, cost, or other attributes.

To meet security standards and protocols, all work is performed onsite in Herndon, VA.

This position requires an active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active.)

This position is contingent on clearance verification and customer concurrence.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills and Experience):

  • Ability and willingness to upgrade to active TS/SCI US Security Clearance, or Tier 5 (T5), formerly known as a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).
  • Years of related experience: 3+ for level 3, 5+ for level 4.
  • Experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineering.
  • Experience developing or using modeling and simulation tools such as Python or MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Experience in software development and programming.
  • Willingness and ability to travel 10% of the time domestically and internationally.
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Current Tier 5 (T5), formerly known as a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) (U.S. Citizenship required) or agreement to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.
  • Active CI polygraph.
  • 1+ years of experience with Position Navigation and Timing efforts.
  • Programming skills in languages such as C/C++ with a strong foundation in software development practices.
  • Experience in implementing algorithms in real time systems
  • Knowledge of estimation theory, optimal estimation (e.g. Kalman filtering).
  • Knowledge of sensor aided navigation or inertial navigation.
  • Knowledge of advanced mathematical principles as applied to aerospace analysis and modeling such as transform methods, computational geometry, numerical linear algebra, optimization, computational math, numerical analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation.
  • Understanding and experience with middleware.
  • Experience in an Agile work environment.

Typical Education & Experience:

Experienced (level 3): Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience (e.g. PhD, Master+3 years' related work experience). In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Lead (level 4): Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 9 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience (e.g. PhD+4 years' related work experience, Master+7 years' related work experience). In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies....

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range:

Level 3: $114,750 to $155,250.

Level 4: $138,550 to $187,450.

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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