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Inertial Navigation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Inertial Navigation Engineer information

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.
What are popular job titles related to Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
ELECTRONIC INTEGRATED SYSTEMS MECHANIC (Indefinite, May Become Permanent)

ELECTRONIC INTEGRATED SYSTEMS MECHANIC (Indefinite, May Become Permanent)

Air National Guard Units

Sioux City, IA • On-site, Remote

$36.27 - $42.32/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
IOWA AIR NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
This position is open to current military members of the 185th ARW, Sioux City, Iowa Air National Guard
LOCATION: 185th ARW, Sioux City, Iowa
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Duties
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As a ELECTRONIC INTEGRATED SYSTEMS MECHANIC (Indefinite, May Become Permanent), WG-2610-13 your duties are below.
  1. Performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on one or more multi-complex electronic integrated systems. Completes operational checks, inspections, tests, trouble shooting, removal and replacement of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) which are linked with integrated systems and LRUs which are independent or associated with nonintegrated systems. Isolates unusual malfunctions using technical orders, schematics, wiring diagrams, tools, and test equipment including automatic test equipment and Flight Line Test Systems (FLTS). Solves complex problems by analyzing installation, circuitry, and operating characteristics of the systems. Adjusts and aligns system sensors, transmitters, amplifiers, power supplies, display devices, controls, transponders, actuators, servos, computers and other related components. Installs serviceable components into aircraft and performs total systems alignment and harmonization in accordance with existing technical orders and directives. Accomplishes technical order compliances, modification of components/systems and completes thorough system checks for proper operation. Maintains, modifies, calibrates and inspects a wide variety of user test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE). Installs, modifies, overhauls, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, rebuilds, aligns, and calibrates complete electronic avionics multi-systems control. (30%)
  2. Reviews and analyzes maintenance data; determines if criteria are sufficient to provide adequate test, troubleshooting and repair procedures; devises and recommends tests, procedural changes, or data corrections. Aligns, adjusts, and performs final calibrations on integrated systems to determine successful repairs. Analyzes equipment failure and malfunctions and suggests changes to improve operation. Monitors the operation of complex, interrelated systems, analyzes operating trends, proposes preventative maintenance down time to assure continued operating capability, and recommends components for overhaul or engineering evaluation for disposal. Applies technical data and equipment specifications to determine the impact that equipment modifications or substitutions will have upon integrated multi-system operations and various maintenance alignment procedures. (20%)
  3. Troubleshoots operational malfunctions and analyzes system performance utilizing aircrew debrief data, Technical Orders, schematic and wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, data analysis, common and system-specific test equipment and built in system tests. Performs on and off-equipment maintenance on systems such as automatic flight control, instruments, communication, navigation, and inertial navigation. Coordinates back shop bench check (if applicable, completes testing, repair, inspection, modification, programming, reprogramming, mating, adjusting, alignment, and analyzing of LRUs and shop replaceable units (SRUs). Uses a variety of test equipment such as automatic test equipment (ATE), oscilloscopes, frequency counters, phase-angle voltmeters, optical alignment equipment, digital pitot-static testers, programming units and special purpose test analyzers.(20%)
  4. Recommends methods to improve equipment performance, technical data, and maintenance procedures by reporting hardware and software malfunctions, initiates material deficiency reports both on equipment and in technical data, and assists in design changes as necessary. Conducts aircrew debriefing to determine the nature of system malfunctions. Documents all discrepancies and maintenance actions performed by inputting information into the electronic records information systems (i.e.: CAMS, IMDS, GO-81, REMIS). Recommends hardware and software changes. Submits change recommendations to Technical Orders. Requisitions supply assets and processes repairable assets in accordance with Standard Base Supply System requirements.(15%)
  5. May upload and download chaff/flare dispensers. This hazardous task may involve the inspection, storage and handling of explosive devices; to include flares, chaff, impulse cartridges and similar items. Conducts on-the-job training on assigned systems and related support equipment and tasks to include classroom instruction as necessary. (10%)
  6. May be required to perform additional duties such as structural fire-fighting, aircraft fire/crash/rescue duty, serve as a security guard, remove snow, load and handle munitions, launch/recover and service aircraft, operate heavy equipment, maintain facilities and equipment, or serve as a member of a team to cope with natural disasters or civil emergencies. Complies with safety, fire, security, and housekeeping regulations. (10%)
  7. Performs other duties as assigned. D2240P01

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted position that requires military membership in a compatible military assignment in the Iowa Air National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of this excepted position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 07/15/2026 . FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.
TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • Your performance and conduct.
  • The needs and interests of the agency.
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.
Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
Award of the compatible Air Force Specialty Code, Craftsman Seven Skill Level; Journeyman Five Skill Level; or, the Apprentice Three Skill Level, with the position's compatible unit position assignment and a high school diploma, are mandatory requirements.
Military Rank Requirements: ENLISTED MEMBERS (E-4 to E-6)
Qualifications
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge and skills to install, modify, overhaul, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, align, calibrate, and rebuild multi-system avionics complexes consisting of multiple completely integrated electronic avionics systems where the complex accomplishes a number of major functions.
Award of the compatible Air Force Specialty Code, Craftsman Seven Skill Level; Journeyman Five Skill Level; or, the Apprentice Three Skill Level, with the position's compatible unit position assignment and a high school diploma, are mandatory requirements.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: WG-2610-13: Must haveexperience in the following:
  1. Experiences involved duties such as, inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, repairing and modifying software controlled automated and manually controlled test stations, electronic circuit maintenance pods, peripherals, support equipment and associated subsystems.
  2. Experience and knowledge of stations that are used to repair and maintain all avionics line-replaceable and pods.
  3. Experienced in analyzing performance results, running tests, inspecting, troubleshooting, identifying and isolating malfunctions.
  4. Experienced in how to disassemble, modify or repair and reassemble test stations or electronic circuit maintenance pods and their associated peripherals. Skills include the ability to consider the complex inter-related variables arising from a mix of computer hardware and software, stimulus and measurement systems, and special purpose test subsystems.
  5. Experienced in analyzing malfunctions using schematics, logic and wiring diagrams, programming tables, computer program flow charts, software user guides, computer program listings and factory drawings.
  6. Experienced in the diagnoses of circuit operating characteristics using computer query, system peculiar test equipment, and computer diagnostics.
  7. Experiences involved isolating problems to the failing part using self-test diagnostics, oscilloscopes, frequency
    meters, signal generators, digital, and differential voltmeters, computer registers and printouts and other special and standard tools and test equipment.

Education
Award of the compatible Air Force Specialty Code, Craftsman Seven Skill Level; Journeyman Five Skill Level; or, the Apprentice Three Skill Level, with the position's compatible unit position assignment and a high school diploma, are mandatory requirements.
Additional information
ENLISTMENT CASH BONUSES: Acceptance of a technician position may affect any bonus and/or educational assistance that may be applicable. Please contact your Education Office prior to accepting a position with the Iowa Army National Guard.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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