Principal Guidance, Navigation & Controls Scientist

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

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 [email protected] 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)  

Please review our current job openings and apply for the positions you believe may be a fit. If you are not an immediate fit, we will also keep your resume in our database for future opportunities.