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Inertial Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Navigation Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

Characterize and integrate inertial sensors. * Build algorithm validation tools and infrastructure ... Engineering, Physics, Mathematics. * Experience: 1+ years of building and shipping Navigation ...

Senior GNC Engineer (Navigation) We are seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to develop advanced ... Design and develop navigation algorithms for high‑speed flight vehicles, including inertial ...

$129 - $191/hr

The Anduril Flight Engineering team is integral to development of flight system solutions in all ... Support the design, development, integration and testing of an inertial navigation systems (INS ...

Showing results 41-60

Inertial Navigation Engineer information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do inertial navigation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer - Navigation and Estimation- Air Dominance &...

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,935 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril's Flight Engineering department is seeking Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineers to join our team. The Anduril Flight Engineering team is integral to development of flight system solutions in all domains for our warfighters. As a critical member of our team, the role of a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer is pivotal in driving the design, development, testing, and implementation of cutting-edge flight system technologies for our aerospace systems. Anduril fosters a dynamic learning culture, characterized by accelerated knowledge acquisition through modeling, simulation, analysis, and rigorous and frequent ground and flight test experimentation. At Anduril, you will be involved in flight testing the systems you develop.

We are seeking exceptional GNC Engineers with expertise in Navigation, Sensing, or PNT to join our team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of autonomous air power, advanced tactical missile systems, strategic weapons, and hypersonic strike and defense systems. As a key contributor, you will develop, test, and integrate navigation systems and architectures for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic autonomous systems, driving innovation in mission-critical capabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead navigation system design for one or more Anduril products, cradle-to-grave ownership.
  • Analyze and help develop mission requirements and constraints across the Anduril product portfolio to determine optimal navigation system architecture.
  • Support and drive the evaluation and integration of advanced alternative navigation aiding sources (prepare, support, and conduct lab, motion, and flight tests).
  • Support flight testing to measure & validate navigation performance relative to mission requirements and troubleshoot testing and operational anomalies.
  • Perform trade studies, modeling, simulation and other forms of analysis to validate algorithm and navigation stack accuracy, robustness, and performance.
  • Conduct simulation and testing for validation of navigation algorithms and system performance.
  • Collect and analyze platform telemetry data to validate platform operation and performance
  • Support the design, development, integration and testing of an inertial navigation systems (INS) for aerospace vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, missiles, etc.).
  • Use and update Anduril's existing navigation filters, models, and simulations to improve navigation performance.
  • Support and drive the development of algorithms for navigation, guidance, and control systems, including Extended Kalman filters and other estimation methods using various programming languages.
  • Support and drive the development of advanced sensor fusion algorithms leveraging INS, GNSS, cameras, LiDAR, and other sensors for accurate navigation in complex environments across subsea, surface, air, and space domains.
  • Apply covariance analysis techniques for early requirements derivation, as well as to optimize navigation system performance, error modeling, and system uncertainty assessments.
  • Improve calibration procedures for sensor suites used in aerospace navigation systems.
  • Collaborate with GNC, Flight Software, MSA, T&E, product leadership, and other multidisciplinary teams to integrate navigation software and hardware into real-world flight systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field
  • Strong bias for action, ability to thrive in uncertainty, and desire to closely collaborate cross-functionally with other teams
  • Proficiency in MATLAB & Simulink, C/C++
  • Strong knowledge of navigation principles, including inertial navigation, GPS
  • Experience characterizing, integrating, and testing inertial and non-inertial sensing modalities like INS, GNSS, vision-based, and odometry
  • Experience with navigation system design, development and testing on aerospace systems
  • Expertise in Kalman filtering, Extended Kalman filtering, and other estimation techniques
  • Experience with real-time systems and embedded software development
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • General knowledge of guidance and flight control systems
  • Experience optimizing and tuning navigation system performance, error modeling, and system uncertainty assessments, and requirements methods
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret clearance
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer
  • 3 or more years of experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control engineering or related technical experience
Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer
  • 8 or more years of experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control engineering or related technical experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Autonomous air, ground or undersea vehicle navigation experience, focusing on low-cost sensors
  • Strong software (MATLAB, C/C++) and hardware (sensors, harnesses, PCB design) integration background, working with real-time systems is a big plus
  • Experience adapting and applying real-time pose localization algorithms from robotics to enhance the accuracy and robustness of vehicle navigation where applicable
  • Experience with 6-DOF vehicle simulation
  • GNSS receiver and antenna integration experience
  • Current eligibility at the Top Secret level preferred

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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