Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls Scientist

GRVTY; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 270,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with generous company match

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Training and Development Opportunities

Job summary

GRVTY in Ventura, California, is seeking a Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls Scientist to lead the design and analysis of navigation algorithms for autonomous vehicles. This role involves serving as a technical authority, mentoring engineers, and translating advanced control theory into reliable systems.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and expertise in GNC system design. Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field required.
• Professional experience in GNC system design for various vehicle types.
• Strong proficiency in algorithm development for navigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and validation of GNC algorithms.
• Architect navigation solutions for GPS-denied environments.
• Mentor mid-level and junior GNC engineers.

Skills

Deep expertise in state estimation techniques

Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

Tools

Kalman filtering

Sensor fusion

Job description

Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls Scientist

Ventura, California, United States

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 experts 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

What Would be Nice to Have

• Direct experience with underwater GNC and navigation sensors
• 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.

$270,000 - $300,000 USD

Benefits

• Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision
• Health Savings Account with company contribution
• Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) 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 protected veteran status 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.