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Navigation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

Sr. Navigation Engineer

Reston, VA · 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 ...

Helsing

Senior Navigation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

As a GNSS and Navigation Engineer, you will own one of the most mission-critical capabilities for our long-range uncrewed platforms: their ability to know where they are and where they are going ...

Clearance Jobs

Navigation Analyst Jobs

Laurel, MD · On-site

$245K/yr

Navigation Analyst Do you like to dive in to technical problems to develop a deep understanding of them in order to apply that understanding to solve real warfighter challenges? Are you interested in ...

Helsing

Senior Navigation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

As a GNSS and Navigation Engineer, you will own one of the most mission-critical capabilities for our long-range uncrewed platforms: their ability to know where they are and where they are going ...

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Navigation information

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$13

$20

$31

How much do navigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for navigation in Washington is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $22.88 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 cities in Washington are hiring for Navigation jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Navigation job openings:

Navigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Navigation job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,578 per year, or $21 per hour.

Navigation Engineer

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Are you searching for exciting work in aerospace and missile systems engineering?
Do you have knowledge and experience in global positioning system (GPS) integration, inertial navigation and optimal estimation, and a desire to apply those skills to analyze, test, and improve weapon systems for our military?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a dynamic, creative engineer who will help us assess performance of weapon systems under development and influence future missile systems programs. You will join a team of expert analysts in a team-oriented environment that values collaboration and innovation.
Innovations in areas like Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) and alternative navigation solutions in GPS-denied environments offer exciting opportunities to shape the future of our nation's defensive capabilities.
Our team supports a wide array of platforms, including hypersonics, cruise missiles, submarines, and autonomous flight vehicles. As a navigation engineer, you will spearhead development of navigation solutions for these critical systems, leveraging your technical expertise and a passion for continuous learning.
As a Navigation Engineer at APL, you will...
  • Design and analyze navigation systems including strapdown algorithms and aiding filters fusing measurements from multiple sensors. We work with inertial measurement unit (IMU), GPS, terrain mapping sensors, and are working with multiple sponsors to identify practical GPS alternatives.
  • Mentor junior staff and help ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge across multiple areas of GPS aiding and inertial navigation.
  • Use simulations to predict system behavior and risks, leveraging both Monte Carlo and covariance-based methods to understand trends and perform high-level system trades.
  • Analyze and assess contractor designs to assist program offices throughout the DoD acquisition cycle and interface with contractor community to help them design and build operational weapon systems.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with DoD sponsors and other relevant stakeholders, working to conceive, develop, plan and execute new Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) initiatives.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or another related technical field.
  • Have 5+ years of experience working with navigation systems.
  • Have experience design and analysis of inertial navigation systems, sensor fusion and state estimation via Kalman or other optimal filtering algorithms, or navigation simulation and model development.
  • Have conducted analysis and development using MATLAB, Simulink, and C++.
  • Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are skilled at developing relationships across diverse teams.
  • Must be willing to travel up to approximately 25%.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or other related technical discipline.
  • Have 10+ years of experience working with navigation systems.
  • Have successfully led navigation system design or analysis activities.
  • Have experience and interest in related fields such as guidance and control systems or 6 degree-of-freedom modeling and simulation.
  • Have experience with alternative navigation and/or hands-on navigation sensor hardware.
  • Prior work experience in weapon systems, including Hypersonic or Cuise missile systems.
  • Have a track record of leadership and staff mentorship.
  • Currently hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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