What Navcon Engineering Network does

Navcon Engineering Network is a privately held, Fullerton, California-based engineering consultancy, value-added reseller, and training provider founded in 1987 that specializes in noise and vibration measurement, analysis, and control. The company serves aerospace, defense, maritime, mining, transportation, energy, petro-chemical, construction, industrial, and government customers with project-based consulting including modal testing, FEM validation and updating, environmental noise modeling, product noise testing, and expert witness testimony. Navcon operates from a single U.S. headquarters equipped with a 900 sq. ft. laboratory, a Polytec full-field scanning laser vibrometer, more than 200 transducers, and over $1M in test instrumentation and software.

The firm's product portfolio is built around distributing third-party noise and vibration software and hardware rather than owning proprietary platform technology: it resells SoundPLAN and SoundPLAN Essential (Braunstein + Berndt), FEMtools (Dynamic Design Solutions), ME'scope VES (Vibrant Technology), INSUL, IRIS 3D, and dBSea (Marshall Day Acoustics), SIDLAB, and ZORBA, alongside Data Physics dynamic signal analyzers, APS Dynamics electro-dynamic shakers, and PCB Piezotronics sensors. Its own software products — AIMAP, OCT_ASC, SRS, NRRO, RRIT/MRIT, DCAL, Tonal, HCAL, RCAL, CHANREF — are MATLAB- and instrument-basic-based specialty utilities for consulting engineers rather than commercial platforms. Technical training is delivered as four recurring seminars (Hands-On Modal Testing, FE Model Validation & Updating, Environmental Noise Measurement, SoundPLAN User Training), with over 1,500 engineers trained since 1992.

Navcon generates revenue through three integrated streams: (1) professional-services consulting billed per project/service agreement, (2) fee-based technical training at $2,450-$3,550 per attendee conducted at its Fullerton facility, and (3) hardware resale and software distribution (one-time licenses) where Navcon earns margin as authorized North American distributor for multiple brands. The business is led by two long-tenured principals — Jim Steedman and Hans Forschner — with no disclosed external institutional ownership, no subsidiaries, no M&A activity, and no public listing.

Name

Navcon Engineering Network

Legal name

Navcon Engineering Network

Website

https://navcon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Navcon Engineering Network is a Fullerton, CA-based noise and vibration engineering consultancy, training provider, and authorized North American reseller of specialized software (SoundPLAN, FEMtools, ME'scope, INSUL) and hardware (Data Physics, APS Dynamics, PCB Piezotronics), serving aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, and government clients since 1987.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Noise and Vibration Engineering Consulting

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Reliability, Safety & Risk Engineering (RAMS/PSM) Consulting (BPAHAIAK)

Keywords

• Noise vibration consulting
• Modal analysis training
• Environmental noise modeling
• Dynamic signal analyzers
• FE model validation

Headquarters

HQ city

Fullerton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Noise & Vibration Consulting Services: Engineering consulting services for noise and vibration measurement, analysis, and control across aerospace, defense, maritime, mining, transportation, petro-chemical, energy, construction, and other industries. Services include industrial noise control, community noise surveys, environmental impact studies, expert testimony, product noise testing, and vibration testing. Billing is per project/service agreement.
2. Technical Training Programs: Fee-based seminars and workshops on noise and vibration topics including Hands-On Modal Testing & Analysis (4-day, $3,550), FE Model Validation & Updating (3-day, $2,950), Environmental Noise Measurement (2-day, $2,450), and SoundPLAN User Training (2-day, $2,450). Training is conducted at Navcon's Fullerton, CA facility.
3. Hardware Distribution (DAQ / Shakers / Sensors): Resale of Data Physics dynamic signal analyzers (Quattro, Abacus), APS Dynamics electro-dynamic shakers and amplifiers, and PCB Piezotronics sensors including accelerometers, microphones, impact hammers, and load cells. Navcon has been a reseller of Data Physics since 2010 and APS Dynamics since 1988.
4. Software Distribution & Support: Distribution and support of noise and vibration software including SoundPLAN, SoundPLAN Essential, FEMtools, ME'scope VES, INSUL, IRIS 3D, dBSea, SIDLAB, ZORBA, and Navcon's own software products (AIMAP, OCT_ASC, SRS, NRRO, Tonal, HCAL, RCAL, DCAL, CHANREF, RRIT, MRIT).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Navcon Engineering Network provides noise and vibration engineering consulting services, hands-on technical training seminars, and value-added distribution of third-party hardware (dynamic signal analyzers, shakers, sensors) and noise/vibration software (SoundPLAN, FEMtools, ME'scope, INSUL, IRIS, dBSea, SIDLAB, ZORBA). The firm also develops and sells its own specialty software tools (AIMAP, SRS, NRRO, RRIT/MRIT, DCAL) used by consulting engineers in noise, vibration, and modal analysis applications.

Product overview

Navcon Engineering Network is a technology distributor and engineering consultancy specializing in noise and vibration analysis solutions since 1987. The company offers an integrated portfolio of software products for environmental noise modeling (SoundPLANnoise, SoundPLAN Essential), finite element model validation (FEMtools), modal analysis (ME'scope VES), sound insulation prediction (INSUL), room acoustics (IRIS 3D), underwater acoustics (dBSea), duct acoustics (SIDLAB Suite), and sound absorption prediction (ZORBA). Hardware offerings include Data Physics dynamic signal analyzers (Quattro, Abacus), APS Dynamics electro-dynamic shakers and amplifiers, and PCB Piezotronics sensors for data acquisition. The company complements its product distribution with hands-on technical training programs and engineering consulting services, serving aerospace, defense, maritime, energy, and industrial sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Noise & Vibration Consulting Services Engineering consulting for noise and vibration measurement, analysis, and control across aerospace, defense, maritime, mining, transportation, energy, construction, and industrial sectors. Includes industrial noise control, community noise surveys, environmental impact studies, expert testimony, product noise testing, modal surveys, and FEM validation services.
• Hands-On Modal Testing & Analysis Training 4-day intensive seminar covering modal testing theory, impact and shaker excitation methods, FEM-test correlation, and hands-on testing of JimBeam and Porsche vehicles. Priced at $3,550 per attendee. Class limited to 10 attendees.
• FE Model Validation & Updating Training 3-day seminar on test-analysis correlation and finite element model updating using FEMtools software. Covers pretest planning, sensitivity analysis, model updating algorithms, and probabilistic analysis. Priced at $2,950 per attendee.
• Environmental Noise Measurement & Analysis Seminar 2-day seminar covering fundamentals of acoustics, sound source characterization, outdoor sound propagation, and hands-on laboratories for environmental noise measurement and modeling. Priced at $2,450 per attendee.
• SoundPLAN User Training 2-day software training for developing indoor and outdoor acoustical models using SoundPLANnoise for noise planning, impact assessments, and noise mitigation optimization. Priced at $2,450 per attendee.
• SoundPLANnoise Comprehensive 3D graphics-oriented environmental noise modeling software for urban planning, environmental assessment, noise control optimization, and field noise mapping. Supports road, rail, industrial, aircraft, and indoor noise modules with barrier design optimization.
• SoundPLAN Essential

Quantifiable outcome

• Trains 80 to 125 engineers and technicians per year across multiple seminar formats
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Data Physics CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2010Navcon has been a reseller of Data Physics Dynamic Signal Analyzers (Quattro, Abacus) since 2010. Since 1998, Navcon has used Data Physics Analyzers for consulting services, and since 2000 all data acquisition during Hands-On Modal seminars has been conducted with Data Physics Dynamic Signal Analyzers. Navcon provides support to compile customize solutions by integrating complete systems including sensors, transducers, data acquisition, data reduction and analysis tools.
• APS Dynamics Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1988Navcon has been a reseller of APS Dynamics Inc. electro-dynamic shakers and power amplifiers since 1988. The partnership includes Long Stroke Shakers (APS 113, APS 400, APS 600), Air Bearing Horizontal Shakers (APS 129, APS 500), and Power Amplifiers (APS 125, APS 145). During Hands-On Modal training, attendees shake a Porsche with APS Long-Stroke Electro-Dynamic Shakers.
• PCB PiezotronicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSince the early 1990s, Navcon has developed customized noise and vibration data acquisition systems using PCB Piezotronics sensors including high pressure and low noise microphones and pre-amplifiers, accelerometers, pressure transducers, seismic transducers, force transducers, impact hammers, and calibrators. During Hands-On Modal Training, attendees use PCB Piezotronics sensors including accelerometers, hand-held calibrators, load cells, and impact hammers.
• Marshall Day Acoustics (INSUL, IRIS, dBSea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNavcon is the authorized distributor of Marshall Day Acoustics software products including INSUL (for USA, Canada, and Mexico), IRIS 3D Impulse Response System, and dBSea underwater acoustics software. Navcon provides trial licenses, download links, and support for these products in North America.
• Dynamic Design Solutions (FEMtools)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNavcon distributes FEMtools software, a multi-functional CAE program for modal pretest analysis, FE model verification, validation, correlation, and model updating. Used extensively in Navcon's Hands-On Modal Testing and Analysis Training (FEM-Test Correlation Lab) and FE Model Validation & Updating Training seminars.
• Vibrant Technology (ME'scope VES)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNavcon distributes ME'scopeVES software by Vibrant Technology for ODS animation, modal parameter estimation, structural dynamics modification, and vibro-acoustics analysis. Used during Navcon's Hands-On Modal Testing & Analysis Training for modal test parameter estimation and ODS testing.
• SIDLAB AcousticsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNavcon distributes SIDLAB software suite for modeling sound generation and propagation in duct networks, including SIDLAB Acoustics (Low and High Frequency), SIDLAB Flow, SIDLAB Acquisition, and the SIDLAB Measurement Rig for muffler and silencer design.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ATA Engineering: ATA Engineering provides structural dynamics, modal testing, vibration, and acoustic consulting for aerospace, defense, and industrial clients. It is one of the closest U.S. analogs to Navcon's noise and vibration consulting practice, competing for similar modal survey and FE model validation engagements.
• Mechanical Solutions Inc: Mechanical Solutions provides vibration analysis, rotor dynamics, modal testing, and turbomachinery consulting. Like Navcon, it sells engineering services and proprietary analysis tools, and competes for similar aerospace, energy, and industrial vibration projects.

Others

• Polytec: Polytec manufactures the full field scanning laser vibrometer that Navcon owns and operates. It is a technology supplier and ecosystem partner rather than a consulting competitor, but defines the category of measurement capability Navcon competes within.
• SoundPLAN (Braunschweiger Soft): SoundPLAN is the developer of the environmental noise modeling software that Navcon distributes in North America. It is comparable as a counterpart in Navcon's value-added reseller model rather than a direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Crystal Instruments: Crystal Instruments offers dynamic signal analyzers, modal analysis software, and vibration monitoring systems. It competes in overlapping territory with the Data Physics analyzers Navcon resells and serves the same vibration testing customer base.
• Vibration Research: Vibration Research provides vibration control and dynamic signal analysis software (e.g., VibrationVIEW, ObserVIEW) targeting the same modal and vibration testing customers that Navcon trains and equips with Data Physics and APS systems.

Broad incumbents

• ESI Group: ESI Group provides CAE software for vibration, acoustics, and structural dynamics simulation. It competes broadly with the FEMtools-type workflows Navcon trains on and represents a much larger, software-centric alternative in the same engineering domain.
• HBK (Brüel & Kjær): HBK, formed from the merger of Brüel & Kjær and HBM, is the dominant global supplier of sound and vibration measurement hardware, software, and services. It overlaps with Navcon across DAQ systems, sensors, and noise/vibration consulting, but operates at much larger scale with a broader portfolio.
• Siemens Simcenter (formerly LMS): Siemens Simcenter (formerly LMS International) provides noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) software and testing solutions, including Test.Lab, which competes with the Data Physics analyzers and FEMtools-type workflows Navcon distributes and trains on.

Regional players

• ACSoft: ACSoft is a UK-based distributor of acoustic, vibration, and NDT software and hardware, with a similar value-added reseller model to Navcon but focused on the UK and European markets rather than North America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/navconengineering
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/navcon-engineering-network

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Navcon Engineering Network