Lead Mission Autonomy Software Engineer (UAS)

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

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.