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Geodesy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UC San Diego

Laboratory Assistant - 140565

San Diego, CA · On-site

$27.04 - $32.31/hr

Research in IGPP spans a broad range of topics in geophysics including acoustics, seismology, geodynamics, geodesy and crustal deformation, geomorphology, planetary physics, geomagnetism and ...

US Department of the Interior

Land Surveyor

Redding, CA

$50K/yr

... geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. You must ...

US Department of the Interior

Land Surveyor

Redding, CA · On-site

$50K/yr

... geodesy, route surveying, remote sensing, cartography, survey astronomy, land information systems, computer-aided mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and survey analysis and adjustments. You must ...

All JobsGeodesy JobsGeodesy Jobs in California

Geodesy information

See California salary details

$36K

$75.3K

$112K

How much do geodesy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for geodesy in California is $75,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geodesist?

To excel in Geodesy, strong analytical skills, a background in mathematics, geography, or engineering, and a relevant degree such as geodesy or geomatics are typically required. Familiarity with GPS/GNSS systems, GIS software, remote sensing technologies, and certifications like GISP or ASPRS are common assets. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help geodesists collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interpret complex data. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring accurate earth measurements and supporting various applications like mapping, surveying, and navigation.

What is geodesy?

A Geodesy job involves measuring and understanding Earth's shape, gravity field, and spatial position. Geodesists use satellite data, GPS, and other technologies to create precise maps, monitor land changes, and support navigation systems. They work in various fields, including surveying, cartography, and engineering, ensuring accurate geographic data for infrastructure, environmental studies, and scientific research.

What does a geodesist do?

As a Geodesist, your daily tasks may involve collecting and analyzing spatial data, conducting surveys using GPS and satellite technologies, and processing geographic information for various applications. You might work on projects related to land surveying, map creation, infrastructure development, or monitoring natural hazards like earthquakes. Collaboration with engineers, surveyors, and GIS specialists is common, as these projects often require a team approach. You'll frequently use specialized software and field equipment to ensure your measurements and analyses are accurate and reliable. This dynamic role offers opportunities to solve real-world challenges while advancing both technical and analytical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geodesy jobs in California? The most popular types of Geodesy jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Geodesy jobs in California? For Geodesy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geodesy jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Geodesy jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Geodesy jobs? Cities in California with the most Geodesy job openings:
Geodesy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geodesy job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,280 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

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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