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Navigation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Navigation/IMU Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

Raytheon

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 ...

Raytheon

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 ...

Raytheon

Senior Navigation/IMU Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/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 Jul 16, 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 are popular job titles related to Navigation Engineer jobs in California? For Navigation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Navigation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Navigation Engineer jobs near you
Staff Navigation Systems Engineer

Staff Navigation Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$177K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Emerging Capabilities Development organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered by providing an innovative technological capabilities across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector is seeking a Staff Navigation Systems Engineer to join our diverse and talented team in the design and implementation of model-based navigation software. This role will be filled at our Woodland Hills, CA site. As a Staff Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of innovation.
What You'll get to Do:
  • Architect and guide the implementation of cutting-edge navigation algorithms, software, and system integrations.
  • Define and execute the technical roadmap for navigation-performance analysis across lab and flight-test environments.
  • Own communication channels with program leadership, external customers, and cross-functional partners.
  • Champion collaborations with internal and external experts to pioneer next-generation navigation and timing technologies.
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of navigation and timing specialists in a collaborative, high-performing culture.
  • Represent Northrop Grumman at premier technical conferences, industry working groups, and customer briefings.
  • Mentor emerging talent and drive best-practice adoption across the organization.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract Award.
Basic Qualifications for a Staff Navigation Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM discipline with 12 years of Engineering experience; 3 years of Engineering experience with Masters in STEM discipline with 10 years of Engineering experience; PhD in STEM discipline with 8 years of Engineering experience
  • Expertise in Sensor Fusion for Navigation Systems using IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), GPS, barometers, and other sensors.
  • Expertise in advanced state-estimation algorithms such as Extended Kalman Filtering, Unscented Kalman Filtering, Particle Filtering.
  • Expertise in INS (Inertial Navigation System) mechanizations.
  • Expertise in Embedded INS/GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation systems.
  • Expertise in multi-sensor synchronization and calibration.
  • Expertise in noise modeling and covariance tuning.
  • Expertise in state estimation for position, velocity, and attitude determination.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required
  • Ability to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills, CA

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Assured Position Navigation & Timing (APNT) solutions for GPS Denied Environments.
  • Familiarity of signal selection, acquisition and tracking, Position, Velocity, and Time (PVT) calculation, data demodulation, signal correction.
  • Familiarity with algorithm development for satellite acquisition, tracking, and receiver measurement formation
  • Familiarity with military navigation modernization particularly M-code signal processing and capabilities.
  • Familiarity with design of tracking loops, including characterization of platform dynamics, environmental/interference effects.
  • Familiarity with Timing and Distributed Clock Algorithms.

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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