Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

Responsibilities

• Architect and build end-to-end control systems integrating PLCs, embedded platforms, sensors and actuators for real-world applications.
• Develop and implement control logic and firmware across industrial and embedded environments, from low-level interfaces to supervisory control.
• Translate systems goals into close-loop solutions, combining sensing, signal processing and control strategies to achieve reliable performance.
• Partner with AI/ML specialists to optimize system behavior, enable adaptive control and detect anomalies.
• Prototype, test and refine systems in the lab and field, troubleshooting across hardware and software boundaries to ensure robust operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) required for Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineering degrees, or Calculus-based STEM bachelor’s degree in engineering, or Certification from the National Council or Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), or Professional Engineer license.
• Plus at least 5 years’ relevant experience.
• Skills: Demonstrated desire to learn and innovate. Hands-on experience with PLC programming and/or embedded firmware development (e.g. C/C++, Python). Demonstrated ability to architect and debug complex systems spanning sensors, actuators, and control logic. Self-motivated and able to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision. Strong time-management skills. Well organized, maintain safe work habits and have a broad range of technical interests and education. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write reports and technical documents.
• Location and Schedule: Primary work location is at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) located in Santa Barbara, CA. Work schedule for this position will be negotiated with the supervisor; employees can work 5-8, 9-80, or 4-10 work-weeks.
• Background: Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. Must possess a valid driver’s license. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision; both a pension and a 401k; paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation (if located more than 75 miles from work location); tuition assistance and reimbursement; and more.

Pay

• Annual salary range for this position is: $101,524.80 - $152,297.60.

Schedule

• The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) located in Santa Barbara, CA.