Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls Scientist

Grvty · Ventura, California, United States · Data

Posted 2026-09-10

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What Impact You'll Have

GRVTY is seeking a Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Scientist to serve as a technical authority for autonomous vehicle GNC capabilities and advanced navigation products and software. In this role you will lead the design and analysis of navigation and control algorithms, drive technical strategy across multiple concurrent initiatives, and mentor engineers. You will address the boundary of theory and field-proven implementation, translating advanced control theory and estimation techniques into systems that perform reliably in maritime environments with limited or denied GPS.

What You'll be Owning

Lead the design, analysis, and validation of GNC algorithms

Architect navigation solutions for GPS-denied environments

Develop and refine vehicle dynamics models and control architectures

Serve as the senior technical authority on GNC matters across multiple platforms

Collaborate with navigation subject matter expert to transfer deep domain knowledge from decades of accumulated know-how and documented navigational principles and applied techniques

Define verification and validation test plans for GNC subsystems

Analyze field test data to diagnose performance anomalies and refine algorithms

Partner with all engineering disciplines to ensure GNC algorithms are implemented efficiently

Mentor and provide technical guidance to mid-level and junior GNC engineers

What You Must Have

PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

Professional experience in guidance, navigation, and control system design for underwater, aerial, ground or space vehicles

Deep expertise in state estimation techniques (Kalman filtering, sensor fusion) and modern control theory

Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and software languages for algorithm development

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to technical and customer audiences

US Citizenship required

What Would be Nice to Have

Direct experience with underwater GNC and navigation sensors

Familiarity with real-time embedded software environments

Background supporting autonomous systems

Pay Range: At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications. We’re proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

The pay range for this position is: $270,000.00 - $300,000.00

Pay Range: At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications.

We’re proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

California Pay Range

$270,000—$300,000 USD

Apply for this role →

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