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Inertial Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Inertial Navigation Systems Engineer you will be responsible for leading the innovation, pursuit, and execution of US Government and DoD technology development in Inertial Navigation Systems ...

Wing is looking for a Navigation Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) team ... Provide expertise in various sensor modalities, including GNSS and inertial systems, and their ...

Do you have knowledge and experience in global positioning system (GPS) integration, inertial ... As a Senior Navigation Engineer... • You will be a Subject Matter Expert on navigation systems ...

Navigation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$182K - $242K/yr

Navigation Engineer Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last ... Provide expertise in various sensor modalities, including GNSS and inertial systems, and their ...

Senior Navigation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

As a GNSS and Navigation Engineer, you will own one of the most mission-critical capabilities for ... Understand inertial sensors (IMUs) and have experience with GNSS/INS sensor fusion, Kalman ...

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Inertial Navigation Engineer information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do inertial navigation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for inertial navigation engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Inertial Navigation Engineer typically collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams during the development of navigation systems?

As an Inertial Navigation Engineer, you will frequently work alongside hardware designers, software developers, and systems engineers to integrate inertial sensors into navigation solutions. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting integration issues, and ensuring that sensor data is accurately interpreted by system algorithms. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll be translating complex technical requirements and results between different specialties to ensure the overall reliability and performance of the navigation system.

What does an Inertial Navigation Engineer do?

An Inertial Navigation Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and maintaining systems that use accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine the position, orientation, and velocity of moving objects without relying on external references. These engineers work on technologies used in aircraft, spacecraft, submarines, and autonomous vehicles. Their responsibilities include creating algorithms for sensor data processing, testing navigation systems, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accuracy and reliability in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Inertial Navigation Engineer vs GPS Navigation Engineer?

AspectInertial Navigation EngineerGPS Navigation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, specialized in inertial systemsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, defense, autonomous vehiclesNavigation systems development, mapping, mobile devices, automotive
Industry UsageMilitary, aerospace, autonomous systemsConsumer electronics, automotive, outdoor navigation
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding inertial vs satellite-based navigationDeveloping or improving GPS-based systems

Inertial Navigation Engineers focus on developing systems that use inertial sensors to determine position without external signals, ideal for environments where GPS signals are unavailable. GPS Navigation Engineers work on satellite-based positioning systems, common in consumer devices and automotive applications. Both roles require strong engineering backgrounds but differ in technology focus and application environments.

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

To thrive as an Inertial Navigation Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, with expertise in navigation algorithms and sensor fusion. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, Kalman filters, and inertial measurement units (IMUs), as well as experience with embedded systems and programming languages like C/C++, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly are vital soft skills. These competencies are critical to developing accurate, reliable navigation systems for applications in aerospace, defense, and autonomous vehicles.
More about Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 42% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Navigation Engineer

$245K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Senior Navigation Engineer

Are you searching for exciting work in aerospace and missile systems engineering? Do you have knowledge and experience in global positioning system (GPS) integration, inertial navigation and optimal estimation, and a desire to apply those skills to analyze, test, and improve weapon systems for our military? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a dynamic, creative engineer who will help us assess performance of weapon systems under development and influence future missile systems programs. You will join a team of expert analysts in an environment that values collaboration and innovation.

Innovations in areas like Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) and alternative navigation solutions in GPS-denied environments offer exciting opportunities to shape the future of our nation's defensive capabilities.

Our team supports a wide array of platforms, including hypersonics, cruise missiles, submarines, and autonomous flight vehicles. As a senior engineer, you will spearhead development of navigation solutions for these critical systems, leveraging your technical expertise and a passion for continuous learning.

As a Senior Navigation Engineer...

• You will be a Subject Matter Expert on navigation systems that must operate in extremely demanding conditions in support of the most crucial missions of the US military. Design and analyze navigation systems including strapdown algorithms and aiding filters fusing measurements from multiple sensors. You will work with inertial measurement unit (IMU), GPS, terrain mapping sensors, and with multiple sponsors to identify practical GPS alternatives in both hardware and software environments. Mentor junior staff and help ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge across multiple areas of GPS aiding and inertial navigation. Use simulations to predict system behavior and risks, leveraging both Monte Carlo and covariance-based methods to understand trends and perform high-level system trades. Analyze and assess contractor designs to assist program offices throughout the DoD acquisition cycle and interface with contractor community to help them design and build operational weapon systems. Develop and maintain relationships with DoD sponsors and other relevant stakeholders, working to conceive, develop, plan and execute new Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) initiatives.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or another related technical field. Have 5+ years proven experience with navigation systems. Have experience design and analysis of inertial navigation systems, sensor fusion and state estimation via Kalman or other optimal filtering algorithms, or navigation simulation and model development. Have conducted analysis and development using MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++. Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are skilled at developing relationships across multi-disciplinary teams. Must be willing to travel up to approximately 25%. Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other related technical discipline. Have successfully led navigation system design or analysis activities. Have experience and interest in related fields such as guidance and control systems or 6 degree-of-freedom modeling and simulation. Have hands-on experience with navigation hardware including IMUs, GPS receivers, and GPS emulators.

Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually


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