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Inertial Navigation Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Navigation Engineer

Washington, DC ยท 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 ...

Senior Navigation Engineer

Washington, DC

$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 ...

Provide technical pre-sales support for the PNT product portfolio including GNSS receivers, timing systems, and inertial navigation products * Deliver technical expertise to customer engineers for ...

Provide technical pre-sales support for the PNT product portfolio including GNSS receivers, timing systems, and inertial navigation products * Deliver technical expertise to customer engineers for ...

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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 cities in Washington are hiring for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Navigation Engineer

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

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.

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About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


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