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Gps Navigation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

As a Senior Navigation Engineer in our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team ... Model and simulate inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS receivers to analyze ...

$189K/yr

Navigation Systems Integration Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum ... GPS * GPNTS/NAVSSI * ACNS * NCDS * Experience with shipboard data networks * Experience working ...

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Gps Navigation Engineer information

What does a GPS navigation engineer do?

A GPS Navigation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining systems that use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to provide accurate location, navigation, and timing information. They work with hardware and software to ensure GPS receivers and navigation algorithms function correctly in various environments. Their work often involves troubleshooting signal issues, integrating GPS into larger systems like vehicles or mobile devices, and improving positioning accuracy. GPS Navigation Engineers play a crucial role in applications such as automotive navigation, aviation, military systems, and mobile devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a GPS navigation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a GPS Navigation Engineer, you need a solid foundation in electrical engineering, signal processing, and satellite navigation principles, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with GNSS simulation tools, MATLAB, C/C++ programming, and experience with real-time embedded systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for developing reliable navigation solutions that support critical applications in transportation, aerospace, and defense.

What are some common challenges faced by GPS navigation engineers when integrating navigation systems into vehicles or devices?

GPS Navigation Engineers often encounter challenges such as signal interference, multipath errors, and maintaining accuracy in urban or indoor environments. Integrating navigation systems into vehicles or devices also requires collaboration with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless operation and user experience. Engineers must stay updated on evolving standards and work closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot integration issues and optimize system performance.

What is the difference between Gps Navigation Engineer vs Gps Software Developer?

AspectGps Navigation EngineerGps Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, GIS, or related field; experience with navigation systemsBachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; programming skills in C++, Java
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing navigation hardware/software in labs or fieldDeveloping and coding GPS applications in software development teams
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsMobile apps, embedded systems, mapping services
Common Search IntentUnderstanding roles in navigation system creationDeveloping GPS-related software applications

While both roles work with GPS technology, Gps Navigation Engineers focus on designing and testing navigation systems, often involving hardware integration. Gps Software Developers primarily write code for GPS applications and software solutions. The roles overlap in technical skills but differ in focus areas within the GPS industry.

Infographic showing various Gps Navigation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site

Blue Origin
Space Research Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$156K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement advanced navigation and estimation algorithms, with a primary focus on Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).

  • Model and simulate inertial sensors and GPS receivers to analyze and predict navigation system performance, and develop test plans to verify and validate navigation system performance.

  • Lead the integration of navigation components into the broader GNC and avionics architecture, and troubleshoot navigation-related issues during testing and operations.


Blue Origin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As a Senior Navigation Engineer in our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge navigation solutions for our advanced systems. You will take a leading role in designing, analyzing, and testing navigation algorithms and systems. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the accuracy, and reliability of our navigation performance. This position requires a deep theoretical understanding and practical ability to develop sophisticated estimation algorithms, including Kalman filters, for real-world applications.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Design, develop, and implement advanced navigation and estimation algorithms, with a primary focus on Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
  • Model and simulate inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS receivers to analyze and predict navigation system performance.
  • Lead the integration of navigation components into the broader GNC and avionics architecture.
  • Develop and execute test plans to verify and validate navigation system performance in both simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
  • Analyze sensor data to characterize and calibrate inertial measurement units (IMUs) and other navigation sensors.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex navigation-related issues found during testing and operations.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in the field of navigation systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, software, and systems engineers, to deliver integrated solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 5-10 years of experience in navigation systems analysis, design, and testing.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing Kalman filters for Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
  • Strong theoretical and practical understanding of inertial sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and GPS technology.
  • Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Solid programming skills in C++ or Python for algorithm development and data analysis.
  • Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor other engineers.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in a relevant field with a focus on estimation theory or navigation.
  • Experience with tightly-coupled and loosely-coupled GPS/INS integration.
  • Hands-on experience with testing and validating navigation systems on hardware.
  • Knowledge of other navigation techniques, such as terrain-relative navigation, star trackers, or visual odometry.
  • Familiarity with navigation system software and hardware development for safety-critical applications.

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45 CO applicants is $144,179.00 - $201,849.90 WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45 VA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

Other site ranges may differ


Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.


Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.


Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.


Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.



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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000