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Navigation Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Aerospace Corporation

The Aerospace Corporation is looking for a Systems Engineer (Project Engineer - Systems Engineering) . In this role, you will support NASA'sSpace Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Programwithin ...

Jj

Navigation Systems Software Manager

Warsaw, IN · On-site

Partner with systems engineering, hardware, clinical, usability/human factors, quality, and ... and navigation systems, including: o Continuous Integration (CI) with automated builds, static ...

Jj

Navigation Systems Software Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

Partner with systems engineering, hardware, clinical, usability/human factors, quality, and ... and navigation systems, including: o Continuous Integration (CI) with automated builds, static ...

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Navigation Systems Engineer information

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$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do navigation systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for navigation systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Navigation Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing platforms?

Navigation Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining signal integrity, and meeting stringent safety or regulatory requirements. These engineers must carefully validate and test new components to avoid disruptions in performance, often collaborating closely with software developers, hardware engineers, and project managers. Successful integration requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication across multidisciplinary teams.

What does a navigation engineer do?

A navigation engineer designs and develops systems that determine the position, orientation, and velocity of vehicles or equipment, often using GPS, inertial sensors, and mapping data. They work on integrating hardware and software to improve navigation accuracy and reliability, typically requiring knowledge of algorithms, signal processing, and relevant certifications. Their work is essential in aerospace, automotive, and maritime industries to ensure safe and efficient movement.

What does a Navigation Systems Engineer do?

A Navigation Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining systems that determine and control the position, movement, and guidance of vehicles or devices. These engineers work with technologies such as GPS, inertial navigation, and sensor fusion to ensure accurate and reliable navigation. They often collaborate with teams in the aerospace, automotive, maritime, or robotics industries to integrate navigation solutions into larger systems. Their role includes testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing navigation algorithms and hardware to meet safety and performance standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering roles or those with significant leadership responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

Is GNC a good career?

Navigation Systems Engineers design and develop navigation and guidance systems for aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. The role requires strong skills in control theory, software, and hardware integration, often involving working with tools like MATLAB and GPS technology. It can be a stable and rewarding career for those interested in aerospace and technology development.

What is the difference between Navigation Systems Engineer vs GPS Software Engineer?

AspectNavigation Systems EngineerGPS Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, computer science, or related field; certifications in navigation or systems engineeringBachelor's or higher in computer science, electrical engineering; certifications in GPS technology or software development
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing navigation systems for vehicles, aerospace, or maritime applicationsDeveloping GPS algorithms and software for navigation devices and applications
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, defense, maritime industriesConsumer electronics, telecommunications, defense sectors
Common Search & ComparisonNavigation Systems EngineerGPS Software Engineer

While both roles focus on navigation technology, Navigation Systems Engineers design and integrate entire navigation systems, whereas GPS Software Engineers develop specific GPS algorithms and software components. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in scope and focus.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain aerospace engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects.

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

To thrive as a Navigation Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or aerospace engineering, strong mathematical skills, and experience with navigation principles such as GPS, inertial navigation, and sensor fusion. Proficiency with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, embedded systems, and familiarity with relevant certifications such as DO-178C for software quality are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set top candidates apart. These competencies are vital for developing accurate, reliable navigation solutions that meet stringent safety and performance standards in aerospace and related industries.
More about Navigation Systems Engineer jobs
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What states have the most Navigation Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Navigation Systems Engineer jobs include:
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Navigation Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Navigation Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.
E01-C07 Systems Engineer (Relative Navigation Systems)

E01-C07 Systems Engineer (Relative Navigation Systems)

EXPANSIA

Hollywood, MD • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Start Date: Immediate 
JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.     
 
The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. 
 
OVERVIEW 
Full-time/Permanent Employee  
Location: Hollywood, MD

Our client is seeking a Systems Engineer with relevant navigation system architecture development experience to join our team. You'll be working on aircraft platform Modeling and Simulation (M&S) in a variety of areas, with extensive work in the MATLAB and Simulink environments. These areas include performance model management and maintenance, model documentation, model verification and validation, auto-code generation and verification. Additionally, support of aircraft integration, verification and certification. Provide subject matter expertise in the areas related to navigation performance for Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), Data Link Systems (DLS), Relative Navigation Algorithms (RelNav). 

The proposed salary range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000. There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. 
RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide technical expertise and systems integration support to ensure an optimal integrated RelNav algorithm implementation and system design. 

  • Perform various analyses using implementation models (both in MATLAB and Simulink) to facilitate RelNav architecture engineering designs and platform integration. 

  • Develop, document, and maintain MATLAB analytical tools used for implementation models, system assessments, and analyses. 

  • Develop new platform models as necessary to support assessments and analyses and integrate them into existing implementation models. 

  • Maintain current models by integrating changes and upgrades as driven by Simulink software version updates as well as issues and improvements identified by platform users. 

  • Perform activities associated with Simulink model auto-code generation and verification. 

  • Support software teams during integration of auto-coded RelNav solutions into platform systems. 

  • Consult requirements documentation, cybersecurity guidance, and coding standards when making code changes to ensure consistency, readability, and correctness. 

  • Peer-review code to ensure accuracy and adherence to requirements and coding standards. 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: Active Secret Clearance 
Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or equivalent technical discipline and seven (7) years of systems integration and systems engineering related or equivalent experience. 

  • Experience and strong working knowledge of MATLAB and Simulink, supporting the development, maintenance, and utilization of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) across the system lifecycle, including operations, sustainment, and accreditation  

  • Knowledge of DO-178 processes and their implementation within modeling environments is desired  

  • Extensive knowledge of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) technologies, including associated theories and practical applications across DoD platforms, with emphasis on dynamic systems  

  • Experience with relative navigation and navigation system design and implementation, with emphasis on guidance quality  

  • Demonstrated understanding of threats to GPS/INS technologies, associated countermeasures, and their impact on system design and performance  

  • Experience with system architecture development  

  • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively interface and work across diverse, multi-disciplinary teams  

  • Ability to work effectively in a multi-team environment and support both technical and administrative tasks as required 

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. 
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