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Inertial Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a Dynamics and Controls Engineer to join our Vehicle ... Inertial NavigationSystem algorithms including modeling and analysis of navigation sensors

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Inertial Navigation Engineer information

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$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.
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What cities are hiring for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Inertial Navigation Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs are:
Inertial Navigation Engineer jobs near you
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

Mach Industries

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Mach Industries Job Posting

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Build the next generation of navigation systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. Mach is looking to build a tightly coupled navigation system to fuse GNSS, optical, and magnetic navigational aids to estimate vehicle pose.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop sensor fusion algorithms to estimate pose of UAVs.
  • Develop and integrate GNSS and LEO constellation navigational aids.
  • Leverage optical techniques such as VIO to aid pose estimation.
  • Characterize and integrate inertial sensors.
  • Build algorithm validation tools and infrastructure.
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics.
  • Experience: 1+ years of building and shipping Navigation solutions.
  • Deep understanding of navigation sensors (i.e, IMU, GNSS receiver).
  • Experience with modern software development tools (i.e, git, Jira).
  • Experience with the implementation of embedded algorithms using C++.
  • Experience with navigation error covariance propagation.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high altitude, monocular, SLAM.
  • Experience with LEO constellation PNT.
  • Experience with leveraging magnetometers for pose estimation.
  • Experience with Aerospace systems.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you'd like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

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