Lead Autonomy Software Engineer – Large Air

Jobtailor; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior leader to guide a team developing autonomy solutions for unmanned aerial systems. You will act as a subject matter expert in mission autonomy, drive proposals, and manage program milestones while engaging with customers.

The role requires leading edge software development (C/C++, Python) and robotics knowledge, with frequent collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and occasional travel. Strong leadership and proposal experience are essential.

Qualifications

• BS in Math, Statistics, CS, Engineering, Physical Science, OR Data Science or equivalent with 7+ years autonomy-related experience and leadership.
• Experience leading proposals and winning contracts.
• Experience leading programs in PI or similar roles.
• Experience building/integrating software for edge platforms.
• Experience with C/C++, Python, and other languages.
• Background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, or decision-making.
• Experience with simulation tools/environments (AFSIM, NGTS) for validation and training.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain US DoD security clearance.
• Preferred: MS/PhD; familiarity with AI/ML libraries; Linux development environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering autonomy-focused solutions from customer requirements.
• Serve as SME in mission autonomy technologies.
• Support or lead marketing and proposal efforts for autonomy programs.
• Manage team tasks to achieve program milestones and customer interactions.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in mission autonomy.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance R&D roadmaps.
• Develop/integrate cutting-edge autonomy tech for unmanned aerial systems (Group 3-5).
• Travel occasionally; perform desk-based work for long periods; lift up to 15 pounds.

Skills

Team Leadership

Autonomy Technologies Development

C/C++ Programming

Python Programming

Robotics Technologies

Motion Planning

Behavior Modeling

Decision-Making Algorithms

Simulation Tools

Budget Estimation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Math/CS/Engineering/Physical Science/Operations Research/Data Science

Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

AFSIM

NGTS

Linux-Based Development Environments

AI/ML Libraries

Job description

• Lead a team developing innovative solutions to technical challenges derived from customer requirements
• Serve as a subject matter expert in emerging mission autonomy technologies
• Support or lead marketing and proposal efforts in mission autonomy
• Support or lead managing and tasking the team to achieve program milestones
• Take primary responsibility for prime and customer-facing interactions
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mission autonomy and related areas
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance R&D roadmaps
• Develop and integrate cutting-edge technologies into mission autonomy solutions for Group 3-5 unmanned aerial systems
• Sit or stand at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods
• Travel occasionally when necessary
• Push, pull, or lift up to 15 pounds as required

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or equivalent experience and 7+ years of developing autonomy technologies experience including team leadership in a related industry, a master’s degree and 5+ years of related engineering experience, or a Ph.D. degree and 2+ years working in a related engineering role
• Experience working in a team leadership role in a related industry
• Extensive experience leading proposals and winning contracts
• Extensive experience leading programs in the principal investigator role or similar experience
• Experience building and integrating software for edge platforms
• Experience with C/C++, Python, and/or project-specific required languages (e.g., Java, Rust, etc.)
• Experience assisting with non-technical programmatic priorities, including staff planning, budget estimation and tracking, and customer-facing interactions
• Background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, or decision-making and accompanying algorithms
• Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for validation, verification, and training
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DOD Security Clearance
• Preferred: M.S. or Ph.D. degrees
• Preferred: Familiarity with AI/ML standard libraries and tools
• Preferred: Experience in Linux-based development environments
• Preferred: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and integrating autonomy technologies for unmanned aerial systems, with a strong focus on team leadership, proposal management, and customer interactions. Proficient in programming languages such as C/C++ and Python, with a solid understanding of robotics technologies and simulation tools.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Team Leadership
• Autonomy Technologies Development
• Proposal Management
• C/C++ and Python Programming
• Robotics Technologies

Hard Skills

• Autonomy Technologies Development
• C/C++ Programming
• Python Programming
• Robotics Technologies
• Motion Planning
• Behavior Modeling
• Decision-Making Algorithms
• Simulation Tools
• Software Integration
• Budget Estimation

Soft Skills

• Excellent Organizational Skills
• Attention to Detail

Certifications & Qualifications

• US DOD Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

• Mission Autonomy
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• R&D Roadmaps
• Customer-Facing Interactions
• Multidisciplinary Teams

Tools & Technologies

• AFSIM
• NGTS
• Linux-Based Development Environments
• AI/ML Standard Libraries