Lead Autonomy Engineer (USV)

Darwin Recruitment; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 143,100 - 174,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance Bonus

Equity / Stock Options

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Lead Autonomy Engineer in West Palm Beach, Florida. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of autonomous maritime technology as part of an innovative U.S. defense technology company.

Applicants should have extensive experience in systems engineering and a strong background in autonomy systems. The job includes leading integration efforts of advanced technologies and may require occasional travel for demonstrations. A competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity are included in the compensation package.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in systems engineering, especially autonomy systems.
• Proven expertise integrating sophisticated hardware and software systems.
• Strong understanding of sensors, navigation, controls, and autonomous system architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integration and evolution of advanced autonomous technologies.
• Bridge cutting-edge software, robotics, AI, and navigation systems.

Skills

Systems engineering

Autonomy systems

Integration of hardware and software systems

Sensors

Navigation

Job description

Lead Autonomy Engineer – Shape the Future of Autonomous Maritime Technology

Florida | U.S. Citizenship Required | Security Clearance Eligible

This isn’t another engineering job.

It’s an opportunity to become one of the engineers who defines the future of autonomous warfare.

We’re partnering with an innovative U.S. defense technology company that’s building next-generation Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) designed to transform how maritime missions are executed. They’re searching for a Lead Autonomy Engineer who wants to do more than improve existing products-they want to create technology that doesn’t yet exist.

If you’ve ever wanted to look back in ten years and say, “I helped build that,” this is the kind of opportunity that comes along only a handful of times in a career.

What You’ll Own

You’ll lead the integration and evolution of advanced autonomous technologies, bridging cutting-edge software, robotics, AI, navigation systems, and real-world maritime platforms.

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of experience in systems engineering, especially autonomy systems.
• Proven expertise integrating sophisticated hardware and software systems.
• Strong understanding of sensors, navigation, controls, and autonomous system architectures.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering efforts from concept through deployment.
• A passion for solving engineering problems that most organisations haven’t even started tackling.

You’ll Really Stand Out If You Have

• Maritime autonomy or unmanned vessel experience.
• Naval, defense, aerospace, or mission-critical engineering experience.
• AI/ML experience focused on autonomous decision-making.
• Sensor fusion and perception systems expertise.
• Experience working within highly regulated defense environments.

Must Have

• U.S. Citizenship is essential.
• Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Florida-based role with occasional travel to support testing, demonstrations, and customer engagements.

Package Includes

• Base Salary: Up to $159,000
• Annual Performance Bonus: 15% of base salary
• Equity / Stock Options: Share directly in the company’s long-term success and future growth.