Associate Autonomous Systems Engineer

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE seeks a strong technical candidate to join the Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department, developing AI and autonomy solutions for sponsor programs. You will support robotics and AI projects, work across perception, planning, and cloud-based computing, and contribute to high-impact national security and public-interest missions.

The role emphasizes collaboration, rigorous problem solving, and growth in cutting-edge technologies within a fast-paced team environment.

Qualifications

• Academic project or work experience in robotics-relevant fields such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems.
• Ability to articulate autonomy-specific challenges (in perception, reasoning, behaviors, collaborations), discuss critical issues, and identify gaps.
• Familiarity with the state of the art in the field

Responsibilities

• 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 area for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
• Help department and division execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications

Skills

Robotics concepts

Computer vision

Deep learning

Machine learning

Planning

Human-robot teaming

Multi-robot systems

Education

STEM degree

Tools

C++

Python

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We're a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

Department Summary

MITRE’s Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department is an innovative team of engineers focused on the development of cutting-edge autonomous systems, robotics capabilities, and AI solutions for a safer world. The Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department has a new opportunity for a strong technical candidate with a STEM degree to join an innovative team of engineers focused on developing Artificial Intelligence and/or Autonomous System solutions for sponsor needs. The right candidate will enjoy a fast-paced team environment and working with groundbreaking technology. We are seeking a self-starter that assists in building robotics and artificial intelligence projects. The candidate for this position will work a wide variety of challenging activities in direct support of sponsor programs and will support MITRE’s AI and autonomy efforts.

Roles & Responsibilities

• 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 area for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
• Help department and division execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications

Basic Qualifications

• Typically requires less than 1 year of related experience with a related Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Academic project or work experience in robotics-relevant fields, such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems
• Ability to generally articulate autonomy-specific challenges (in perception, reasoning, behaviors, collaborations), discuss critical issues, and identify gaps
• Familiarity with the state of the art in the field
• Knowledge of the challenges of developing autonomous and AI systems that are robust in real world scenarios
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of simulation environments for AI/autonomous systems
• Understanding of the Federal Government, specifically with relation to AI and Autonomy interests, missions, and organizations
• Academic project or work experience developing machine learning solutions with modern toolchains, e.g. TensorFlow, MXNet, Scikit-Learn
• Academic project or work experience with robotics software and frameworks, e.g. ROS
• Experience with object-oriented programming languages such as C++ and python
• Must have demonstrated proficiency and strength in verbal, written, PC, presentation, and communications skills
• Proven ability to work independently to learn new technologies, techniques, processes, languages, platforms, systems
• U.S. Citizen with active/current DoD Secret Clearance

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s)

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s)

Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint

$97,600 - $122,000 - $146,400 Annual

Work Location Type

Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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