Autonomy Engineer-Technical Staff

About the role

The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems for the tactical edge. As an FFRDC, we combine academic depth in algorithms, controls, and machine learning with the execution speed of industry and direct mission pull from operational end-users to solve problems others can’t. We design, build, integrate, field-test, and transition autonomy stacks—spanning perception, decision-making, learning, and control—into real operations across the DoD and Intelligence Community.

Responsibilities

• Concept development, modeling & simulation, and feasibility assessment
• System design, development, construction, and testing (component and system-level)
• Supporting analysis and customer presentations/demonstrations
• Team and project management, including staff mentorship
• Work on innovative, fast-paced autonomous system programs from concept through operational prototype
• Advance cutting-edge autonomy and AI research in areas such as guidance/planning, estimation and feedback control, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer vision

Requirements

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or a related field with coursework and research emphasis on autonomous systems/robotics
• In lieu of a Ph.D., a master’s degree with 5+ years of directly related experience or a bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience will be considered
• Hands-on experience developing autonomous systems operating in real-world environments
• Experience with modern feedback control and state estimation
• Programming experience with C++, Python, and ROS using a Linux development environment
• Strong skills in developing and presenting technical materials to varied audiences
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance (selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation)
• U.S. citizenship is required

Pay

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 – $170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 – $220,000
Note: This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits. The final salary offered will depend on factors such as the scope of the role, candidate’s experience, skills, education/training, internal equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• Additional voluntary benefits, discounts, and perks through MIT