Autonomous Systems Technical Lead (Sr. Principal Systems Engineer)

V2X Inc; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

V2X Inc. in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking an Autonomous Systems Technical Lead to join our Systems Engineering team, focusing on integrating and testing advanced autonomous vehicle technologies for DoD and client programs.

The role requires deep expertise in systems engineering, hardware-software integration, and leadership of cross00functional teams within a fast-paced, missionriven environment; you will guide development from concept through verification and validation.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of related engineering experience.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.
• Experience in unmanned ground vehicle or autonomous systems development and testing.
• Proven ability to lead requirements, architecture, and hands-on verification.
• Experience with autonomy algorithms and sensor integration (LIDAR, radar, CV).
• Knowledge of functional safety standards MIL-STD-882 and cybersecurity risk assessments.
• Proven leadership directing large, cross‑functional IPTs and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and programmatic leadership across the development life cycle from concept to validation.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, supporting DoD programs and military aviation contexts.

Skills

15+ years engineering experience

US Citizen

UGV / autonomous systems design

Requirements definition & system arch.

Autonomy algorithms / sensor fusion

Functional safety MIL-STD-882

Cybersecurity risk assessments

Leadership of large multi-disciplineIP

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Working across the globe, V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure from base to battlefield. We bring 120 years of successful mission support to improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness. Aligned around a shared purpose, our $3.9B company and 16,000 people work alongside our clients, here and abroad, to tackle their most complex challenges with integrity, respect, responsibility, and professionalism.

V2X is seeking an Autonomous Systems Technical Lead with a passion for autonomous vehicle system integration and test to join our Systems Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN. This position involves creating advanced autonomous technologies as part of a fast moving, cross functional team. You’ll work closely with partners inside and outside the organization to design and deliver innovative solutions for autonomous vehicles in a variety of operational environments.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate embraces modern development processes and techniques that improve product quality & team productivity and has experience developing and integrating advanced systems including situational awareness displays, mission computers, avionics, sensors, mission equipment, and radar systems. We are looking for engineers that enjoy a challenge and have a passion to support our DoD customers and international allies.

The Autonomous Systems Technical Lead provides technical and programmatic leadership throughout the development life cycle, from concept development, requirements definition, functional analysis, design review support, system implementation, integration, verification, and validation. The Autonomous Systems Technical Lead will work within a cross-functional Integrated Product Team (IPT), where strong communication and team building skills are critical to success.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• At least fifteen (15) years of related engineering experience in systems, software, or hardware engineering.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Direct responsibility of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) or autonomous systems design, development, integration, and testing.
• Demonstrated expertise developing requirements, performing system architecture, and leading hands‑on test and integration activities for autonomous or robotics platforms.
• Experience implementing advanced autonomy algorithms, perception sensor integration (e.g., LIDAR, radar, computer vision), or drive‑by‑wire subsystems for military or commercial autonomous vehicles.
• Experience implementing and validating functional safety standards (ex. MIL-STD-882) and supporting cybersecurity risk assessments for vehicle autonomy.
• Experience providing leadership, technical direction, and guidance to large multi-discipline teams.
• Experience leading all systems engineering tasks and cross-product activities across the program.
• Experience leading the development, integration and test of military avionics systems or similarly complex systems.
• Previous experience as a Lead Systems Engineer, Verification Lead, Integrated Product Team Lead, and/or Product Owner.
• Experience managing suppliers and overseeing the development of subsystems and components.
• Ability to take ownership of the engineering scope within the program and drive the necessary tasks to ultimately ensure the cross‑function team meets the technical requirements.
• Strong communication skills and ability to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders including leading both internal and customer design reviews.
• In‑depth understanding of the System Engineering Lifecycle and processes.
• Experience leading Trade Studies, performing Risk and Opportunity analyses, and tracking and mitigating risks.
• Direct experience working with government customers including the US Army, US Navy, USMC and/or USAF.
• Experience mentoring engineers of all grade levels.
• Experience planning, executing and leading integration, verification and validation tasks and cross‑product activities across the program.

Desired Skills

• Experience with machine learning frameworks and AI integration in autonomous systems
• Experience with Agile development
• Experience using standard data languages and tools (C/C++, Python, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience working with digital data standards such as: MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, Universal Armament Interface (UAI), Radio Frequency (RF) communication, and ENET protocols.
• Experience working the front end of the business, creating/reviewing RFPs, SOWs, BOEs, technical volumes, proposals, cost, and schedule estimates.
• Project management experience including cost, schedule, supplier management, risk, and opportunity assessment.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At V2X, we are deeply committed to both equal employment opportunity, including protection for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We ensure all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, recognizing the strength that comes from a workforce rich in diverse experiences, perspectives, and skills. This commitment, aligned with our core Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace, ultimately enabling us to best serve our clients.