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Navigation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Navigation/IMU Engineer

San Diego, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

The Navigation/IMU Engineer shall be able to understand the fundamentals of how IMUs work, how they are tested and be able to analyze IMU performance data. The engineer shall have a basic ...

Senior Navigation/IMU Engineer

San Jose, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

The Navigation/IMU Engineer shall be able to understand the fundamentals of how IMUs work, how they are tested and be able to analyze IMU performance data. The engineer shall have a basic ...

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Navigation Engineer information

See California salary details

$35.7K

$115.9K

$165K

How much do navigation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for navigation engineer in California is $115,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,089.00 and $145,905.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Navigation Engineer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Navigation Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, a background in engineering or computer science, and expertise in navigation algorithms and sensor integration. Experience with tools such as MATLAB, GNSS software suites, inertial navigation systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or relevant industry credentials are valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork and communication are important soft skills in this field. These qualifications are crucial for developing accurate, reliable navigation solutions and collaborating efficiently on multidisciplinary projects.

What are common challenges faced by Navigation Engineers in their daily work?

Navigation Engineers often face the challenge of ensuring precise positioning and navigation under varying environmental conditions, such as urban canyons or signal interference areas. They must troubleshoot and optimize complex sensor fusion algorithms to maintain system accuracy and reliability. This role typically requires close collaboration with software developers, hardware engineers, and project managers to implement robust solutions and quickly address technical issues as they arise. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in navigation technology is also key to meeting the evolving needs of clients or industries.

What is a Navigation Engineer job?

A Navigation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains navigation systems for aerospace, marine, automotive, or robotic applications. They work with technologies like GPS, inertial navigation, and sensor fusion to ensure precise positioning and movement. Their role involves software development, algorithm design, and troubleshooting to improve navigation accuracy and reliability. These engineers often collaborate with other specialists in aerospace, robotics, or transportation industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Navigation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Navigation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Navigation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Navigation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Navigation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,890 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Senior Navigation/IMU Engineer

Senior Navigation/IMU Engineer

Raytheon

San Diego, CA

$110K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-03-24

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-802 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 802

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.

The Advanced Effector Guidance Systems (AEGS) Department develops guidance section electronics architectures for development programs, supports subsystem analyses, integration and test, provides program leadership as well as GPS/IMU support. We partner with several Electrical Engineering Departments that provide the detailed designs of our electrical products. We are seeking entry-level candidates willing to collaborate, innovate, and team with our engineers to generate and utilize today’s cutting-edge technology to develop electrical subsystems.

The Advanced Effector Guidance Systems (AEGS) Department is searching for a Senior Navigation/IMU Engineer with which will work with the experienced Navigation/IMU engineers in support of selecting IMUs and integration into navigation subsystems. The Navigation/IMU Engineer shall be able to understand the fundamentals of how IMUs work, how they are tested and be able to analyze IMU performance data. The engineer shall have a basic understanding of serial interfaces, hardware integration and test. The engineer shall have a basic understanding of IMUs and how they integrate into a system as part of the guidance and navigation system. The engineer should also be able to work independently to set up a test to verify IMU performance and analyze the results.

What You Will Do

  • Work environment is primarily in an office, but may include labs, field work, or a combination.

  • Assignments may include supporting programs with IMU selection, testing of IMUs, analysis of IMU performance, interface with IMU suppliers, developing and documenting IMU requirements and test plans; peer reviews of designs as a subject matter expert; presentations to peers, management, and government customers; and root-cause failure investigations.

  • The Navigation Subsystems Engineer will to work broad assignments independently within a program Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment

  • The Navigation Subsystems Engineer will be required to effectively communicate, written and orally, and will regularly provide status of issues, progress and accomplishments to leadership and customers

  • RTX has a strong culture of mentoring; it is expected that employees will be both mentors and mentees.

  • Ability to “fault-tree out an issue to focus/prioritize activities and resources

  • Assignments may require supporting multiple programs.

  • Assignments may require some travel, including foreign travel.

  • Work within a multi-disciplined team.

  • Work independently, with little supervision.

  • Develop a network and know when to use it to get help.

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Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) major and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience (excluding internships).

  • An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for additional years of experience as follows: Master’s is equal to 2 years of experience or a Ph.D. is equal to 4 years of experience.

  • Experience with Electrical Engineering fundamentals, subsystems and systems engineering

  • Experience taking requirements and selecting the appropriate IMU for use in products

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Missile systems typically contain IMUs, GPSs. Guidance and Navigation computers and seekers and sensors. The ideal candidate will have a background in how these components are put together in a system to guide a missile to a target. Ideal candidates will also have some experience in systems engineering and architecture and have a desire to grow into a guidance section architect.

  • Experience with Fiber Optic gyros, Ring Laser Gyros and MEMs gyros.

  • Experience with mechanical and solid state accelerometers.

  • Experience working with missiles or similar systems.

  • Ability to drive suppliers in meeting commitments.

  • Knowledge of DOD Hardware development process (knowledge of design gates).

  • Practical experience in all phases of the product.

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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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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