Autonomy & AI Systems Leader — Robotics & Strategy

MITRE; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE in Bedford, MA seeks a senior autonomy/AI leader to drive research and deployment across defense, healthcare, and public-interest programs. You will guide cross-functional teams, shape autonomy strategy, and ensure rigorous evaluation of AI systems while navigating DoD security requirements and on-site collaboration three days per week.

The role requires advanced degrees, strong sponsor communication, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of autonomy and AI experience with a relevant degree; or 6 years with a Master’s; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience.
• Broad understanding of autonomous systems across multiple domains and a track record of leadership.
• Ability to articulate autonomy challenges and engage sponsors or stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams evaluating and improving autonomous systems performance.
• Maintain knowledge of advances in autonomy and robotics capabilities.
• Leverage expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance.
• Provide thought leadership on autonomy/AI adoption for robotics hardware and cloud environments.
• Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and guide sponsors based on requirements.
• Work on robotics-relevant topics: computer vision, deep learning, ML, planning, HMI, multi-robot systems.
• Build capabilities in growth areas for Autonomous Systems (e.g., healthcare, space robotics).
• Help define and execute strategy around enabling high-consequence autonomy applications with assurance and testing.

Skills

Autonomy leadership

AI expertise

Robotics

Communication

Team leadership

Independent learner

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree

PhD with 3+ years experience

Tools

ROS 2

Docker

Job description

MITRE in Bedford, MA seeks a senior autonomy/AI leader to drive research and deployment across defense, healthcare, and public-interest programs. You will guide cross-functional teams, shape autonomy strategy, and ensure rigorous evaluation of AI systems while navigating DoD security requirements and on-site collaboration three days per week.

The role requires advanced degrees, strong sponsor communication, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.