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Navigation Estimation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNC Aerospace Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation * Support weapon system modeling and ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics ...

... navigation, estimation, and system accuracy analysis using methods such as linear covariance ... Skills/Abilities Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++. Excellent analytical ...

... navigation, estimation, and system accuracy analysis using methods such as linear covariance ... Skills/Abilities • Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++. • Excellent ...

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Navigation Estimation Engineer information

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$57.5K

$103.7K

$154.5K

How much do navigation estimation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for navigation estimation engineer in the United States is $103,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a navigation estimation engineer do?

A Navigation Estimation Engineer develops algorithms and systems that enable vehicles or devices to accurately determine their position, orientation, and velocity. This often involves working with sensors such as GPS, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and cameras, and applying techniques like sensor fusion and Kalman filtering. These engineers are vital in fields like aerospace, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and maritime navigation. Their work ensures that machines can navigate safely and efficiently in complex environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a navigation estimation engineer?

To thrive as a Navigation Estimation Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, control theory, sensor fusion, and estimation algorithms, typically with a degree in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, Kalman filtering techniques, and experience with GNSS/INS systems are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate navigation solutions, robust system performance, and effective collaboration in high-stakes engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by navigation estimation engineers in multi-sensor fusion environments?

Navigation Estimation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating data from multiple sensors, such as GPS, IMUs, and LiDAR, due to differences in data rates, noise characteristics, and potential signal loss. Ensuring reliable and accurate state estimation requires developing robust algorithms that can handle sensor discrepancies and environmental uncertainties. Collaboration with software, hardware, and testing teams is crucial to validate solutions in both simulated and real-world scenarios. Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and maintaining system reliability under varying operational conditions are also key aspects of the role.

What are popular job titles related to Navigation Estimation Engineer jobs?

For Navigation Estimation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Navigation Estimation 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, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,684 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Software Engineer (Navigation Systems) - Level 5

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$166K - $309K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Drive development of complex navigation algorithms and integrate navigation hardware and software components.

  • Perform design, surrogate testing, deployment, and verification & validation of navigation systems.

  • Provide technical leadership and coordinate with team members, suppliers, and internal stakeholders on integration and testing activities.


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 400 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Standard Job Description The Skunk Works (Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Program (ADP)) is looking for talented and energetic individuals to become a part of a dynamic high energy team carrying on the 70+ year tradition of developing and producing advanced aircraft and battlespace solutions. This Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Software Engineer position is with the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Mission Systems and Software Comms team supporting an ADP program that includes staff distributed between Fort Worth, Texas and Palmdale, California. The selected candidate for this experienced professional position will be a technical leader and subject matter expert within our GNC team, with focus on Navigation and Timing.

The role will be required to independently drive development of complex navigation algorithms and the integration of COTS and custom hardware LRUs through design, surrogate testing, on-system deployment, and V&V. The role will involve independent, self-direct work, long-term planning, as well as technical direction of more junior team members. Experience with medium and long-term schedule planning and tracking, task prioritization, and team leadership is desired.

Roles within Skunk Works, particularly at this level, require proactive and team-oriented experts who take initiative, build relationships, and take ownership of complex integration problems with substantial latitude. Frequent interactions across internal boundaries, with customers, and with sub-tier suppliers are expected. Adept communication skills are required, and previous leadership experience is recommended.

Experience with supplier management, requirements, and technical interchange is desired. Availability for moderate travel (up to ~25% time) for team interaction and integration & test activities is required. The job will involve the use of a wide range of Aeronautical Engineering and Electrical Engineering principles, including aerospace system design, stability/control, guidance, multi-sensor navigation, estimation, system identification, optimal filtering using EKF/UKFs, etc.

Extensive experience with hardware and software integration is required; safety critical software development experience is strongly desired. Ability to understand impacts of design choices on airworthiness, and mission/platform performance is essential. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline Subject matter expertise and minimum of 10 years of experience with development of complex aerospace navigation systems, navigation hardware integration, and/or algorithm design Demonstrated previous technical or personnel leadership experience Proficiency with Matlab and Simulink software Working knowledge of common programming (C, C++) and/or scripting (lua, python) languages Extensive experience with navigation hardware/software integration and test to ensure functional and performance capabilities Experience with deployment of navigation algorithms in aerospace embedded software Successful maturation of navigation hardware/software systems through development, V&V, lab testing, and flight/operational testing Desired Skills Master's degree in electrical engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, or a related technical field Experience with DO-178 Design Assurance Levels and safety critical software design practices Code generation from Simulink, aerospace embedded software design Schedule planning, tracking, CAM, or EVMS experience Knowledge and experience with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom aerospace navigation system hardware Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $166900.00 - $309900.00 At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people

Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally. The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.

Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer. Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position

Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics. For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays

PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.


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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912