Manager - Navigation & Control at Planys Technologies in Chennai

About Planys Technologies

Planys Technologies is a next-gen defence technology startup building intelligent autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and maritime robotic systems that give naval and security forces a real-time, machine-driven picture of the undersea battlespace. Inspired by the pace, ambition, and product mindset of modern defence innovators, we are designing persistent, ROVs, AUVs, and hybrid surface vessel edge-compute heavy payloads, and advanced undersea sensing that turn oceans into knowledgeable, navigable, and defendable environments.

Engineers and researchers work like full-stack product teams: shaping hydrodynamics and propulsion, architecting navigation and perception stacks, and building autonomy and mission-systems software that must perform in GPS-denied, low-comms, high-risk conditions. You will see your code and hardware leave the lab quickly, iterate through real sea trials, and plug into high-impact naval, coastal security, and strategic deterrence missions in India and beyond. Youll be part of a small, high-caliber team empowered to move fast, take end-to-end ownership, and push the boundaries of what underwater systems can sense, decide, and achieve in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.

Job Description

We are looking for a Manager – Navigation & Control to design, develop, integrate, and validate navigation and control systems for autonomous underwater vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop navigation algorithms using INS, DVL, USBL, EKF/UKF, and sensor fusion.
• Develop guidance and control systems such as PID, LQR, MPC, path following, depth, and heading control.
• Work on 6-DOF vehicle dynamics and hydrodynamic modelling.
• Develop simulation environments using Gazebo, ROS/ROS2, Unity, or Unreal Engine.
• Integrate and calibrate IMU, DVL, USBL, pressure sensors, and magnetometers.
• Develop real-time GNC software using C/C++ and Python on Linux platforms.
• Work on mission planning, waypoint management, and autonomy systems.
• Analyse sea-trial data and troubleshoot navigation and control issues.
• Support system integration, testing, sea trials, and field deployments.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and validation plans.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, electronics, and software teams.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers.

Required Skills

• Strong mathematical and analytical background.
• Strong knowledge of navigation, estimation, sensor fusion, and control systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2, Linux, Git, and simulation tools.
• Knowledge of INS, DVL, USBL, EKF/UKF, PID, LQR/MPC.
• Experience with robotic or autonomous systems.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Qualification

• M.Tech / M.S. / Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Ocean Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Robotics, or related fields.
• 4–8 years of relevant experience in navigation, guidance, and control for robotic/autonomous systems.
• Experience in marine or underwater robotics is preferred.
• Research/thesis experience in navigation, control, or state estimation is an added advantage.