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Inertial Navigation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Understanding of inertial navigation systems. Qualifications: Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering. Minimum 10 years' experience in FPGA design/simulation, firmware development ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

The Trimble receivers are deeply embedded in inertial navigation subsystems. The Hardware Development Engineer manages circuit card and programmable logic life cycle Development, implementation, test ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

The Trimble receivers are deeply embedded in inertial navigation subsystems. The Hardware Development Engineer manages circuit card and programmable logic life cycle Development, implementation, test ...

Hardware Development Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

The Trimble receivers are deeply embedded in inertial navigation subsystems. The Hardware Development Engineer manages circuit card and programmable logic life cycle Development, implementation, test ...

Senior Motion Planning & Control Engineer Imagry · San Jose, CA · On-Site Join Imagry at the ... Understanding of vehicle dynamics and experience with inertial navigation systems * Familiarity ...

Description Senior Motion Planning & Control Engineer Imagry • San Jose, CA • On-Site Join ... Understanding of vehicle dynamics and experience with inertial navigation systems * Familiarity ...

Showing results 41-60

Inertial Navigation Engineer information

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 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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

We are looking for you to join our team as a Mechanical Engineer based out of Woodland Hills, CA. As a Mechanical Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of model-based engineering we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation.

Based in our Woodland Hills, CA office, this position will support senior mechanical engineers in the design of military avionics including inertial navigation and measurement systems for various defense platforms. This position is for an individual contributor with technical leadership responsibilities. Experience with mechanical engineering design, development, testing, production support, and lifecycle sustainment preferred. Candidate would be expected to provide technical leadership across product development, manufacturing, testing, and qualification to ensure high-performance, robust inertial sensors for navigation and guidance applications.

This position is not eligible for remote work. This position will be 100% on-site. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Support design and development for inertial navigation systems, including support for existing product lines
  • Perform and review precision-mechanical design work: GD&T, fit/finish, assembly drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing work instructions
  • Develop and execute mechanical testing and qualification plans (vibration, thermal, shock, vacuum, life testing) to meet system requirements
  • Work closely with senior engineers including the chief engineer and program management to drive hardware design, working within challenging schedules
  • Derive system level requirements into mechanical designs
  • Support for root cause analysis and quick resolution of manufacturing line stops and other critical production activities
  • Collaborative work with other engineering organizations, program management, factory operations, global supply chain and mission assurance
  • Mentor junior engineers, conduct design reviews, and maintain engineering best practices for high-reliability inertial products

This position is contingent on the successful transfer of a US Secret Security clearance.

Basic Qualifications for a Staff Mechanical Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 12 or more years applicable experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 10 or more years applicable experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 8 years of applicable experience
  • Expertise with mechanical CAD software (Siemens NXpreferred)
  • Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), drawing creation, tolerance stack-up analysis, etc.
  • Good presentation and writing/communication skills
  • Experience mentoring junior level engineers
  • Active Secret Security Clearance and US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications for a Staff Mechanical Engineer:

  • Demonstrated proficiency with Siemens NX CAD software and Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
  • Expert-level proficiency with GD&T per ASME Y14.5
  • Experience with DOD, Military, and/or Space specifications including ASME
  • Advanced knowledge of HRG resonator assemblies and isolators
  • Extensive practical and theoretical experience with vibration testing, analysis and design for vibration isolation
  • Advanced skills in mechanical testing and qualification plans (vibration, thermal, shock) to meet system requirements
  • Familiarity with test fixtures including design and development
  • Experience with failure-mode analysis and root-cause investigations for performance degradation, drift, or mechanical anomalies
  • Demonstrated high degree of creativity and ability to solve a wide range of difficult problems
  • Competence and confidence working under pressure on requests with short turn-around times
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Must be proactive and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939