Autonomous Systems Technical Lead (Sr. Principal Systems Engineer)

Vectrus, Inc; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

V2X is seeking an Autonomous Systems Technical Lead to join the Systems Engineering team in Indianapolis. This role involves integrating autonomous vehicle technologies as part of a cross-functional team, ensuring technical and programmatic leadership throughout development.

The ideal candidate will have at least fifteen years of related experience in systems engineering and must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a DoD Secret Clearance. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• At least fifteen 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 for unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) or autonomous systems design, development, integration, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and programmatic leadership throughout the development life cycle.
• Design and deliver innovative solutions for autonomous vehicles.
• Lead tests and integration activities for autonomous or robotics platforms.

Skills

Autonomous systems design

Leading multi-discipline teams

System architecture

Robotics platforms integration

Communication skills

Risk and opportunity analysis

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline

Tools

C/C++

Python

Job description

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.

This role will provide 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 team will be a cross‑functional Integrated Product Team (IPT), where strong communication and team building skills are critical to success.

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 (e.g., 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.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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