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Precision Navigation Timing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - Electrical

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

At Vector Atomic, you'll design ultra-low-noise, low-power analog and mixed-signal electronics that enable GPS-free navigation, precision timing, and high-bandwidth communications. You'll own designs ...

At Vector Atomic, you'll design ultra-low-noise, low-power analog and mixed-signal electronics that enable GPS-free navigation, precision timing, and high-bandwidth communications. You'll own designs ...

Engineer - Electrical

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

At Vector Atomic, you'll design ultra-low-noise, low-power analog and mixed-signal electronics that enable GPS-free navigation, precision timing, and high-bandwidth communications. You'll own designs ...

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

The Role: Vector Atomic is building next-generation quantum devices designed for real-world applications, including GPS-free navigation, high-precision timing, geophysical exploration, and ...

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

Vector Atomic is building next-generation quantum devices designed for real-world applications, including GPS-free navigation, high-precision timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications.

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $214K/yr

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing ... Precision Metrology: Perform rigorous characterization of frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan ...

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

Vector Atomic is building next-generation quantum devices designed for real-world applications, including GPS-free navigation, high-precision timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications.

Laser Scientist

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $214K/yr

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing ... Precision Metrology: Perform rigorous characterization of frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan ...

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

The Role: Vector Atomic is building next-generation quantum devices designed for real-world applications, including GPS-free navigation, high-precision timing, geophysical exploration, and ...

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing ... Precision Metrology: Perform rigorous characterization of frequency noise, phase noise, and Allan ...

Staff Scientist - Quantum

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing ... Precision spectroscopy * Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems * Narrow linewidth lasers and laser ...

Staff Scientist - Quantum

Pleasanton, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing ... Precision spectroscopy * Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems * Narrow linewidth lasers and laser ...

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Precision Navigation Timing information

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How much do precision navigation timing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for precision navigation timing in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, or related fields, with expertise in navigation systems, signal processing, and timing technologies. Familiarity with GPS/GNSS systems, inertial sensors, MATLAB, and simulation tools, as well as relevant certifications like PMP or security clearances, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex multidisciplinary projects. These skills ensure accurate system development, reliable performance, and successful integration of PNT solutions in critical applications.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Precision Navigation Timing (PNT) specialist?

A Precision Navigation Timing (PNT) specialist is typically responsible for maintaining and optimizing systems that provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing data. Daily tasks may include monitoring system performance, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, ensuring signal integrity, and coordinating with engineering or IT teams to implement upgrades. PNT specialists often work closely with other technical staff to analyze data, support mission-critical operations, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Collaboration and problem-solving skills are essential to effectively address challenges such as signal interference or system outages.

What is the difference between Precision Navigation Timing vs GPS Technician?

AspectPrecision Navigation TimingGPS Technician
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, specialized training in timing systemsTechnical certifications, GPS system training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, field testing sites, aerospace facilitiesInstallation, maintenance, and repair of GPS devices in various settings
Industry UsageNavigation systems, aerospace, telecommunicationsTelecommunications, surveying, navigation equipment

Precision Navigation Timing specialists focus on the accuracy and synchronization of timing signals used in navigation and communication systems, often working with atomic clocks and advanced timing hardware. GPS Technicians primarily install, maintain, and repair GPS devices and systems. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Precision Navigation Timing emphasizes timing accuracy and synchronization, whereas GPS Technicians focus on device functionality and troubleshooting.

What is Precision Navigation Timing (PNT)?

Precision Navigation Timing (PNT) refers to systems and technologies that provide highly accurate positioning, navigation, and time information. PNT is essential for a wide range of applications, including transportation, telecommunications, military operations, and financial transactions. These systems often rely on satellite-based technologies like GPS, but can also include ground-based infrastructure and augmentation systems. Accurate PNT ensures that users can determine their precise location and synchronize operations securely and reliably.
Infographic showing various Precision Navigation Timing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,903 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Software Engineer - Space Systems

Software Engineer - Space Systems

Xona Space Systems, Inc

Burlingame, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.
With Pulsar - the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit - Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.
Overview
GNSS (GPS) supports hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity annually, powering everything from consumer applications to transportation and critical infrastructure. As industries move toward autonomy, the demand for resilient, secure, and high-accuracy Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems continues to grow beyond what traditional GNSS can provide.
At Xona Space Systems, we are building a next-generation commercial satellite network designed to deliver secure and reliable high-precision navigation and timing services at global scale. Leveraging advancements in satellite technology, software infrastructure, and modern aerospace development practices, our mission is to build the first truly independent high-accuracy alternative to legacy GNSS systems.
As a Software Engineer on the Payload team, you will play a critical role in validating and integrating the software systems powering our satellite platform. You will work across software, hardware, and integration boundaries to ensure reliable communication between payload systems, embedded software, and the satellite bus. This role is highly collaborative and hands-on, involving system-level testing, automation, interface development, and operational reliability across both simulated and hardware-integrated environments.
What You'll Do
  • Develop and maintain software infrastructure supporting payload and spacecraft system integration.
  • Design, implement, and validate communication interfaces between payload systems, embedded software, and spacecraft hardware.
  • Execute full-system software and hardware integration testing across simulated and hardware-integrated environments.
  • Build tooling and automation frameworks using Python and Bash to improve testing reliability and operational efficiency.
  • Support deployment and validation workflows across multiple software and hardware targets.
  • Collaborate closely with software, hardware, and Integration & Test (I&T) teams to diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation for operational workflows, interface behavior, and system architecture.
  • Improve software reliability, observability, and test coverage across mission-critical systems.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field with 4+ years of relevant experience, or 6+ years of equivalent industry experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and experience developing software in Linux-based environments.
  • Experience with build systems and development tooling including CMake, Bash, and Python.
  • Experience deploying and validating software across multiple hardware or software targets.
  • Experience with software/hardware integration testing and debugging.
  • Strong understanding of software testing methodologies and system validation practices.
  • Excellent debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with Embedded Linux systems.
  • Experience with hardware emulation and virtualization technologies such as QEMU.
  • Familiarity with Yocto and embedded Linux build systems.
  • Experience with GitLab CI/CD workflows and automated test infrastructure.
  • Background in aerospace, satellite systems, robotics, automotive, or other high-reliability environments.
  • Familiarity with network protocols and distributed systems.
  • Experience building automation, QA, or operational tooling for complex systems.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.