Principal Guidance-Navigation-Controls Engineer

GRVTY; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 235,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision

401k with generous company match

Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Job summary

GRVTY is hiring a Principal Guidance-Navigation-Controls Engineer in Ventura, California. This role involves designing and validating autonomous mission behaviors for undersea vehicles, requiring collaboration with experts and mentoring junior engineers.

The ideal candidate should possess 15+ years of experience in autonomy and control systems, along with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The position mandates a full-time commitment with a focus on onsite work.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience developing autonomy algorithms for undersea vehicles.
• Experience with simulation environments for autonomous systems development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to translate mission requirements into autonomy logic.
• Design and implement algorithms for AUVs.
• Analyze field test data to refine algorithms.

Skills

Autonomy algorithms

Guidance and control systems

MATLAB/Simulink

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Principal Guidance-Navigation-Controls Engineer

Ventura, California, United States

What Impact You'll Have

GRVTY is seeking a Principal Autonomy / Behaviors Engineer to design, develop and field‑validate the autonomous mission behaviors that govern how our autonomous undersea vehicles (AUV) perceive, reason, and act in complex maritime environments. In this role you will architect algorithms, conduct modeling and simulation, develop test methods, support technical strategy across multiple concurrent initiatives, and mentor engineers. You will join a team of dedicated engineers and scientists who are pushing the boundaries of maritime technology to deliver exceptional products and capabilities.

What You'll be Owning

• Collaborate with GNC experts, software developers, and operators to translate mission requirements into robust, testable autonomy logic
• Design and implement autonomous mission algorithms for AUVs including search patterns, obstacle avoidance, adaptive replanning, and other complex behaviors
• Define and maintain behaviors across vehicle platforms
• Develop and refine vehicle dynamics models and control architecture
• Define verification and validation test plans for GNC subsystems and behaviors
• Analyze field test data to diagnose performance anomalies and refine algorithms
• Partner with all engineering disciplines to ensure guidance algorithms are implemented efficiently
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to mid‑level and junior GNC engineers

What You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
• 15+ years of professional experience developing autonomy algorithms for undersea vehicles
• Professional experience in guidance and control system design for maritime platforms
• Experience with simulation environments for autonomous systems development and testing
• 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
• Full‑time position with a minimum 40‑hour weekly commitment; regular workdays are Monday–Friday around core hours of 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with a 100% onsite requirement. Regular attendance is essential to permit the team to function effectively. The job is performed in an indoor office environment.

What Would be Nice to Have

• Direct experience with AUV autonomy frameworks or stacks
• Background working with operators and GNC specialists
• Familiarity with real‑time embedded software environments

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.

$235,000 - $260,000 USD

Benefits

• Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401k with generous company match
• Training and Development Opportunities
• 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 [e-mail] or call 703-544-7930 with requested details. A member of the HR team will respond to your request within 2 business days.