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Navigation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Navigation - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 is looking for a Navigation/ Identification Friend or Foe engineers who are experienced with flight vehicles (Manned/Unmanned), guided munitions, and UAS systems.

Navigation - Engineer

Edwards, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS JT4 is looking for a Navigation/ Identification Friend or Foe engineers who are experienced with flight vehicles (Manned/Unmanned), guided munitions, and UAS systems.

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

As a Senior Navigation Engineer in our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and Avionics team, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge navigation solutions for our ...

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Navigation information

See California salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do navigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for navigation in California is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Navigation vs Cartographer?

AspectNavigationCartographer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; GPS and mapping software skillsDegree in geography, cartography, or related field; GIS certification
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, mobile, or vehicle-based settingsOffice or fieldwork involving map creation and analysis
Industry UsageTransportation, logistics, outdoor activitiesMapping agencies, GIS firms, urban planning

Navigation focuses on guiding routes and movement, often using GPS and real-time data, while cartographers create detailed maps and spatial representations. Both roles require geographic knowledge, but navigation emphasizes route guidance, whereas cartography involves map design and analysis.

What is a navigation job?

A navigation job involves planning, directing, and managing the movement of ships, aircraft, or vehicles to ensure safe and efficient travel. Roles often require knowledge of navigation tools, charts, and regulations, and may involve working with GPS, radar, or other positioning systems. These jobs are common in maritime, aviation, and transportation industries.

What is the job of a navigation?

A navigation professional is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the movement of ships, aircraft, or vehicles to ensure safe and efficient travel. They use tools such as maps, GPS, and radar, and often require certifications or training in navigation techniques. Their work environment can include ships, aircraft, or land vehicles, depending on the specific role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Navigation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Navigation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Navigation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Navigation job openings:

Infographic showing various Navigation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,972 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Navigation - Engineer

Edwards, CA โ€ข On-site

JT4, LLC
Engineering Professional Servicesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$110K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support development and validation of guidance, navigation, and autopilot algorithms through developmental test and evaluation activities.

  • Review and provide input to technical review boards, safety review boards, and report integrated product teams related to navigation and guidance systems.

  • Coordinate ground and flight tests, analyze test data, and support the verification and validation of navigation and guidance systems.


Job description

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.
JT4 will be hiring multiple candidates for this position with varying experience and skill levels. Salary ranges will be based on skill level and education.
JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
JT4 is looking for a Navigation/ Identification Friend or Foe engineers who are experienced with flight vehicles (Manned/Unmanned), guided munitions, and UAS systems. The successful applicants will support Developmental Test & Evaluation of Navigation and guidance, and/or support Guidance, Navigation and Control development on advanced weapon systems to meet critical needs for warfighters.
Engineers in this position are responsible for the developmental test and evaluation and analysis of guidance, navigation and autopilot algorithms, and operational flight software. Additionally, selected candidates will validate and verify performance and supporting ground and flight tests with pre-flight predictions and post-flight analyses. Incumbents will review and provide input to Technical Review Board (TRB), Safety Review Board (SRB), and Report Integrated Product Teams (RIPT) meetings. Candidates will also provide coordination (ground test to flight test) for all projects and assist in the coordination of input from allied engineering disciplines (avionics, armament, electronic warfare, flying qualities, performance, structures, subsystems, and signatures).
Qualifications:
  • GNC, Signal Processing, and/or Modeling / Simulation experience
  • Engineering experience in system applications to include at least one of the following:
  • Digital and/or modern control systems
  • Signal processing
  • Verification and validation
  • System-level performance assessments
  • GPS/INS navigation systems, sensors, and algorithms
  • Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) systems, sensors, and algorithms for navigation in GPS-degraded environments
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, C++, and/or Object-Oriented design
  • Experience with GNC and/or Signal Processing algorithms within a simulation or physical environment
  • Candidates must have, or be able to obtain, a Secret Clearance with the eventual upgrade to Top Secret clearance and must be eligible for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE
The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited academic institution and four years of related engineering experience or have an accredited Master of Science in Engineering with at least 2 years of related engineering experience or have an accredited doctoral degree in Engineering. The candidate must have mastery of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering that enables the employee to serve as a technical authority on projects relating to the specific programs. The position requires sufficient knowledge and skill to apply the latest developments in engineering to solve problems in the specialty area along with excellent communication and analytical skills. The candidate must have a working knowledge of computer systems and computer-based engineering tools and possess planning/organizing skills. The position may require the ability to investigate, troubleshoot, and design solutions to problems in operational hardware and software.
The candidate must possess a valid, state-issued driver's license. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance up to top secret with special access. Must be a U.S. citizen.
SALARY
The expected salary range for this position is $110,000 to $185,000 annually.
Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4, LLC considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market/business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
    • Benefits Active on Day 1
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts/FSA's
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match
    • JT4 will match 50%, up to an 8% contribution
    • 100% Immediate Vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds), constant sitting with occasional use of computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required. Travel to remote company work locations may be required.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified.
Tasking is in support of a Federal Government Contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license, or other licenses/certifications, and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license, or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment.
SCC: JENG17, A1412TW

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About JT4

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

JT4 provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. We develop and maintain realistic integrated test and training environments, and prepare our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Las Vegas, NV, US

Year founded

2001

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