Principal R&D Engineer - Navigation Analysis

Honeywell Aerospace • Redmond, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Principal Research and Development Engineer - Navigation Analysis at Honeywell Aerospace, you will lead the strategic advancement of alternative navigation technologies. You will spearhead the analysis, design, and development of innovative navigation solutions to enhance the safety, reliability, and performance of aerospace systems. The role is based in Redmond, Washington, or Plymouth, Minnesota, on a hybrid onsite work schedule. You will shape aerospace navigation technology, mentor and guide engineering teams, influence technical direction, and foster innovation and excellence. You will also help build a strong, diverse team through recruiting, successor development, retention and engagement efforts, and promotion of an inclusive environment.

The position leads research and development of navigation algorithms and systems and collaborates across multidisciplinary teams to integrate solutions into aerospace platforms. It oversees research and validation testing, provides technical leadership, and influences strategic planning and technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives. The position is incentive eligible and requires U.S. Person status under applicable export control laws and regulations.

The annual base salary range is $176,000–$219,000 in Minneapolis and $202,000–$252,000 in Redmond. Honeywell Aerospace considers factors including position scope, experience, education, training, skills, and market and business considerations when making offers.

Honeywell Aerospace is described as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company with approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4 billion in 2025. Its products and services support commercial aviation, defense, and space. Electronic Solutions develops avionics, navigation systems, sensors, and electromagnetic defense technology.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical discipline such as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
• 10+ years of experience in research and development focused on navigation systems or related aerospace technologies.
• Deep expertise in navigation algorithms, sensor fusion, and alternative navigation techniques.
• Proficiency with navigation system simulation tools, data analysis software, and programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Extensive experience with aerospace navigation standards and regulatory requirements.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined for compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations: a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or person with protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status, or able to obtain export authorization.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading complex navigation technology projects from concept through deployment.
• Expertise with GNSS, inertial navigation systems, and alternative technologies such as terrain referenced navigation (TRN), vision-based navigation, and sensor fusion for GPS-denied or degraded environments.
• Ability to architect and validate algorithms integrating multiple sensor inputs, including inertial sensors, radar altimeters, cameras, LiDAR, and other environmental sensors.
• Knowledge of error modeling, fault detection, and mitigation strategies to ensure navigation system integrity, robustness, and compliance with aerospace safety standards.
• Experience applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to navigation data processing, anomaly detection, and system optimization.
• Proficiency with simulation environments and hardware-in-the-loop testing methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with CUDA programming and NVIDIA Jetson platforms or equivalent high-performance embedded computing technologies.
• Success transitioning research innovations into operational aerospace navigation products or solutions, including managing stakeholders and regulatory approval processes.
• Proven leadership in driving complex projects and delivering innovative navigation solutions.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills and an interest in innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of software development best practices and architecture principles, and ability to influence and establish technical standards.
• Leadership and mentoring skills, including the ability to inspire multidisciplinary teams, foster collaboration, and cultivate technical excellence and inclusion.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to executives, customers, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis, design, and development of advanced alternative navigation algorithms and systems.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate navigation solutions into comprehensive aerospace platforms.
• Oversee research initiatives and validation testing to ensure navigation system performance, reliability, and compliance under diverse operational conditions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering innovation and professional growth.
• Influence strategic planning and roadmap development for navigation technology advancements aligned with business objectives.
• Recruit top talent, develop successors, and drive team retention and engagement.
• Promote an inclusive environment and a culture of innovation and excellence.

Benefits

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
• Employee assistance program.
• Educational assistance.
• Parental leave.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, and sick time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal