Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer
Roles & Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams evaluating and improving the performance of autonomous systems
Maintain knowledge of advances of autonomy and robotics capabilities
Leverage technical expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance
Provide thought leadership centered around autonomy/AI technology adoption on robotics hardware and cloud-based computing environments
Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and provide guidance to sponsors based on their requirements
Work on topics in robotics-relevant fields, such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems
Build capabilities in one of more growth areas for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
Help department and division define and execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications
Basic Qualifications
- Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in Autonomy and AI with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of autonomy-related education and work experience
- Broad understanding of autonomous systems across multiple domains (Department of War, Services, Intelligence Community, DHS, industry, and academia)
- Deep experience in one or more robotics-relevant fields such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, control theory, human–machine teaming, or multi-robot systems
- Familiarity with state-of-the-art autonomy research and tools, including ROS 2 and Docker
- Proven ability to work independently to rapidly learn new technologies, techniques, processes, languages, platforms, and systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to shape and define work in collaboration with sponsors or stakeholders, even in the absence of fully defined requirements
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including leading teams, developing, and managing schedules, communicating risks, and managing budgets
- Proven ability to develop, propose, and execute autonomy-focused research initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in related field such as Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.
- Experience with software development in a production setting
- Knowledge of advances of Autonomy and AI evaluation capabilities in industry and academia
- Domain knowledge of swarming systems, red teaming, counter UxS, robotic test and evaluation, agentic AI, manufacturing robotics, and/or missile defense
- Experience with configuring and writing software for open-source flight controllers (ArduPilot, PX4. Mission Planner, QGroundControl, etc)
- Experience with rapid prototyping, including fabrication and electronics
- Experience with field testing autonomous systems, particularly unmanned aerial systems
- Knowledge and/or experience with edge computing, C-SWAP (compute, size, weight, and power) platforms, and/or surrogate or scaled platforms
- Work and/or leadership of teams to implement and evaluate AI and Autonomy algorithms
Basic Qualifications
- Advanced degree in related field such as Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.
- Experience with software development in a production setting
- Knowledge of advances of Autonomy and AI evaluation capabilities in industry and academia
- Domain knowledge of swarming systems, red teaming, counter UxS, robotic test and evaluation, agentic AI, manufacturing robotics, and/or missile defense
- Experience with configuring and writing software for open-source flight controllers (ArduPilot, PX4. Mission Planner, QGroundControl, etc)
- Experience with rapid prototyping, including fabrication and electronics
- Experience with field testing autonomous systems, particularly unmanned aerial systems
- Knowledge and/or experience with edge computing, C-SWAP (compute, size, weight, and power) platforms, and/or surrogate or scaled platforms
- Work and/or leadership of teams to implement and evaluate AI and Autonomy algorithms
Pay
$174,000 - $217,500 - $261,000
Schedule
Onsite