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Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation Jobs in Arizona

Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation information

What are some common challenges faced when implementing Kalman Filtering for inertial navigation systems?

One common challenge in this role is managing sensor noise and drift, which can significantly affect the accuracy of inertial navigation solutions. You'll need to carefully tune filter parameters and sometimes integrate additional sensor data (like GPS or magnetometers) to improve robustness. Collaboration with hardware teams is typical, as understanding sensor characteristics is crucial for optimal filter performance. Additionally, real-time processing constraints often require you to optimize algorithms for efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation Engineer, you need a solid background in control systems, signal processing, and estimation theory, generally supported by a degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, sensor fusion algorithms, and experience implementing Kalman filters in embedded systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and solve complex problems. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure accurate navigation solutions and robust system performance in real-world applications.

What is Kalman Filtering in inertial navigation?

Kalman Filtering in inertial navigation refers to the use of a mathematical algorithm—the Kalman filter—to estimate the position, velocity, and orientation of a moving object by processing data from inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. The Kalman filter improves the accuracy of navigation by optimally combining sensor measurements and correcting for errors and noise. This technique is essential in applications like aerospace, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, where precise movement tracking is required. By continuously updating estimates as new sensor data arrives, Kalman filtering helps provide reliable and real-time navigation solutions.

What is the difference between Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation vs INS Algorithm Developer?

AspectKalman Filtering Inertial NavigationINS Algorithm Developer
CredentialsEngineering degrees, knowledge of Kalman filters, navigation systemsEngineering degrees, expertise in navigation algorithms, sensor fusion
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, defense, autonomous vehicle developmentSoftware development, simulation, embedded systems in similar industries
Industry UsageDesign and implementation of navigation systems using Kalman filtersDeveloping algorithms for inertial navigation systems, improving accuracy

Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation focuses on applying Kalman filters to process sensor data for navigation accuracy, while INS Algorithm Developers design and optimize algorithms for inertial navigation systems. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in their primary focus: one on filtering techniques, the other on algorithm development.

Infographic showing various Kalman Filtering Inertial Navigation job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Senior Principal GPS Subsystem Engineer

Senior Principal GPS Subsystem Engineer

Raytheon

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-18

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

RTX is seeking an experienced GPS Guidance Electronics Subsystem Engineer to join the Guidance Electronics Team supporting advanced missile systems. This role is responsible for the development, integration, analysis, and validation of GPS-based navigation solutions used in mission-critical defense applications.
 

The selected engineer will work across the full product lifecycle, partnering with systems engineers, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams to develop and deliver advanced guidance electronics hardware. This position requires expertise in GPS technologies, RF electronics, navigation systems, subsystem architecture, requirements development, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

What You Will Learn
  • GPS Navigation Systems

  • Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)

  • Guidance Electronics

  • RF and Radar Systems

  • Systems Engineering

  • Hardware Integration & Test

  • Modeling & Simulation

  • Kalman Filtering

  • Hardware Architecture Development

  • Missile Guidance Systems

What You Will Do
  • Develop GPS and navigation subsystem architectures for advanced missile systems.

  • Define and decompose subsystem requirements into hardware and component-level requirements.

  • Perform system analysis, modeling, simulation, integration, and validation activities.

  • Develop test plans, verification strategies, and qualification methodologies.

  • Conduct root cause analysis and failure investigations.

  • Support hardware integration, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, environmental testing, and system validation.

  • Interface directly with GPS, IMU, and navigation component suppliers to ensure technical and programmatic compliance.

  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical leadership across engineering teams.

  • Collaborate with systems engineering, program management, customers, and government stakeholders.

  • Support multiple programs and product lines as required.

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical development within the organization.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a Bachelors degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience

  • Minimum 10 years of engineering experience.

  • Experience developing electrical hardware systems and subsystems.

  • Experience with systems engineering, requirements development, requirements verification, and validation.

  • Experience designing and developing RF-based electrical subsystems.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience with GPS and IMU navigation systems.

  • Knowledge of integrated navigation solutions utilizing Kalman filtering techniques.

  • Experience with military GPS technologies, including M-Code.

  • Familiarity with MATLAB modeling and scripting.

  • Experience with RF electronics, radar systems, antennas, analog RF circuitry, digital electronics, and configurable logic.

  • Experience supporting missile systems, guidance electronics, or similar aerospace and defense applications.

  • Knowledge of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, modeling and simulation, and environmental qualification testing.

  • Understanding of Department of Defense hardware development processes and design reviews.

  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.

  • Experience managing technical supplier relationships.

  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

  • Proposal development and capture support experience.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. 

This position is 100% onsite in Tucson, AZ and is eligible for relocation assistance.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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