Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls Scientist
Grvty · Ventura, California, United States · Posted Jul 6, 2026
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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.
California Pay Range
$270,000 $300,000 USD
Why Choose GRVTY
The toughest national security challenges demand vision and ingenuity, not just resources. We deliver mission and technical expertise to outpace our adversaries. We’re purpose-built to tackle the most entrenched, systemic national security issues around the world.
We partner with our customers to help them overcome challenges in every corner of technology and defense—including the ones still being explored. Our growing capabilities create complementary advantages, giving on-the-ground operations the edge they need to succeed. We muster everything we have to answer every challenge presented, every day of our lives.
At GRVTY, we believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives. That’s why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.
- Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision
- Health Savings Account with company contribution
- Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401k with generous company match
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Award Programs
- Variety of Company Sponsored Events
EEO Statement
GRVTY, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations should email recruiting@grvty.com or call 703-544-7930 with requested details. A member of the HR team will respond to your request within 2 business days.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov)
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