Autonomous Flight Systems and Behaviors Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton; Lorton (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton seeks an Autonomous Flight Systems and Behaviors Engineer to advance embedded software for unmanned aircraft. You will work on Linux-based systems, C/C++, and sensor integration to enable autonomy in DoD mission contexts.

The role focuses on developing autonomy algorithms, flight software, and integrated hardware-software solutions across domains, with mentorship and cross-team collaboration as core components.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software development on Linux-based embedded/edge systems.
• 3+ years in autonomy algorithms or autonomous behaviors for aircraft.
• 3+ years developing software for flight systems, flight controllers, or GCS.
• 1+ year with distributed and collaborative teaming algorithms for autonomous systems.
• Experience with Conan and Nix for package/config management.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, CS, CE, EE, or Robotics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and uncrewed systems across domains.
• Design, build, test, and demonstrate new robotic capabilities addressing sensing, autonomy, and human interaction.
• Mentor and supervise team members.
• Work at the intersection of software and hardware.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Linux-based systems

Sensor integration

Autonomy algorithms

Flight systems software

Distributed algorithms

Conan

Nix

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering/CS/CE/EE/Robotics

Master’s degree (preferred) in related field

Doctorate degree (plus) in related field

Tools

QGroundControl

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Join a culture of empowerment and connectivity.

Develop your craft

Learn the skills you need to accelerate your career.

Discover benefits that your life and work.

Innovate with intention

Build mission-ready tech that protects the nation.

Autonomous Flight Systems and Behaviors Engineer

The Opportunity:

Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and uncrewed systems across multiple operational domains and DoD warfighter mission areas. Function at the intersection of software and hardware to design, build, test, and demonstrate new robotic capabilities that address complex client problems in sensing, autonomy, and human interaction. Apply advanced engineering skills, extensive technical expertise, and full industry knowledge. Develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Work without considerable direction, and mentor and supervise team members.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

• 5+ years of experience as an embedded software developer working primarily in C or C++ on Linux-based embedded and edge systems, including driver development, integration of sensors and platforms, message and interface development, and testing and debugging

• 3+ years of experience developing autonomy algorithms or autonomous behaviors such as mission management, guidance, ground control, or navigation and path planning for autonomous aircraft

• 3+ years of experience developing software for flight systems, flight controllers, or ground control station software

• 1+ year of experience with distributed and collaborative teaming algorithms for autonomous systems

• Experience with software package management and configuration management tools, such as Conan and Nix

• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance

• Bachelor’s degree in a Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a Robotics field

Nice If You Have:

• 2+ years of experience working with UAS platforms and PX4-based flight controllers

• Experience developing software following DevOps principles, including Agile, CI/CD, test-driven development, and using automation tools, including pipelines and runners

• Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), interfaces, and validation

• Experience with QGroundControl

• Master’s degree in a Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a Robotics field preferred; Doctorate degree in a Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a Robotics field a plus

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

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.