Autonomous Systems Engineer - AI & Robotics Innovator

The MITRE Corporation; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

The MITRE Corporation in Massachusetts is seeking candidates for roles in autonom y and intelligent systems to advance embodied AI solutions across defense, healthcare, transportation, and citizen services. The team prioritizes safe deployment, rigorous evaluation, and working with sponsors to convert research into impactful, real-world outcomes.

Ideal candidates have hands-on AI/autonomy experience, strong communication, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of autonomy and AI experience; or an advanced degree with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of autonomy -related education and work experience
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following technical areas: computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, control theory, human–machine teaming, or multi-robot systems
• Ability to clearly articulate autonomy-specific challenges (perception, reasoning, behaviors, collaboration), understand real-world application constraints, discuss critical issues, and identify capability gaps
• Familiarity with state-of-the‑art autonomy research and tools, including ROS 2 and Docker
• Ability to work independently to learn new technologies, methods, processes, frameworks, platforms, and systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate challenging technical concepts to both lay and expert audiences
• Experience executing autonomy‑focused research initiatives
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret clearance within 12 months from the date of hire
• 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 a week on-site.

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

Computer vision

Deep learning

Machine learning

Control theory

Human–machine teaming

Multi-robot systems

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in Robotics or related field

Tools

ROS 2

Docker

ArduPilot

PX4

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Job description

The MITRE Corporation in Massachusetts is seeking candidates for roles in autonom y and intelligent systems to advance embodied AI solutions across defense, healthcare, transportation, and citizen services. The team prioritizes safe deployment, rigorous evaluation, and working with sponsors to convert research into impactful, real-world outcomes.

Ideal candidates have hands-on AI/autonomy experience, strong communication, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within 12 months.