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Navigation Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - Navigation And State Estimation (r3123) Develop robust navigation and state estimation algorithms for defense aviation systems in contested environments About The Role ...

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Navigation Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do navigation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for navigation software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a navigation software engineer?

A Navigation Software Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software systems that enable accurate navigation for vehicles, robots, or devices. These engineers work with various technologies such as GPS, inertial measurement units, and mapping algorithms to ensure precise positioning and guidance. Their work is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, robotics, and maritime, where reliable navigation is essential for safety and efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Navigation Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (C/C++, Python), expertise in algorithms, and a solid background in mathematics or computer science, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with navigation frameworks, sensor fusion, real-time operating systems, and tools like ROS (Robot Operating System) is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help professionals excel in this role. These skills ensure the development of reliable and accurate navigation solutions essential for autonomous systems and mission-critical applications.

What are some common challenges faced by navigation software engineers when integrating software with hardware systems?

Navigation Software Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that navigation algorithms interface seamlessly with various hardware components, such as sensors, GPS modules, and embedded processors. Synchronizing data from multiple sensors in real-time while maintaining high accuracy can be complex, especially in dynamic environments like autonomous vehicles or drones. Close collaboration with hardware engineers and rigorous testing in real-world scenarios are essential to identify and resolve integration issues quickly. These challenges make strong communication skills and adaptability vital for success in this role.

What cities are hiring for Navigation Software Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Navigation Software Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Navigation Software Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Navigation Software Engineer jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Navigation Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Navigation Software Research and Development Engineer

Warminster, PA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

$204K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a Navigation Software Engineer to join our Tactical Navigation Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. As part the Navigation Research and Development Division (NRDD), this role will focus on advanced navigation technologies, built around a unique laboratory specially designed to test incredibly sensitive navigation sensors. The mission of NRDD is to provide expert knowledge in navigation systems for our Navy and other Intel Community and federal government customers.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Contribute to the design, development, test, and implementation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working together to bring new ideas to fruition
  • Build core competencies in software architecture, implementation, test, and deployment
  • Strengthen capabilities in numerical analysis and algorithm design
  • Develop expertise in navigation sensor and systems technology

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:
  • Lead the design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation of software products for ARL contracts and within our laboratory

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Completed CS Courses: Data Structures, Systems Software, Software Engineering, Object-Oriented Design, and Algorithms
  • Completed Math Courses: Calculus I / II / III, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra
  • Knowledge of C and C++ programing languages
  • Demonstrated software development experience
  • Experience with POSIX operating systems
  • Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully in order to provide clear comprehension, including technical writing

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field
  • Related software experience
  • Algorithm design, numerical analysis, software optimization, software validation techniques, distributed computing, real-time systems, data science, database systems, and/or networking
  • MATLAB, Python, distributed computing architectures, and middleware
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required.

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Warminster, PA. This position may require travel to remote locations for field-testing; in a laboratory, or at-sea aboard a surface ship or a submarine.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $116,496.00 - $220,884.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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