Principal Autonomy Software Engineer

University of Dayton

Dayton (OH)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 150,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading research institute in Dayton, Ohio, seeks a Principal Autonomy Software Engineer to lead multi-vehicle autonomous solutions research and collaborate on advancing control concepts. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in engineering or computer science, 10+ years in the US Defense Industry, and must be a U.S. citizen with eligibility for a SECRET clearance. Passion for innovation in autonomous systems is essential.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in research within the US Defense Industry.
  • U.S. citizenship required; no dual citizenship allowed.
  • Eligibility to obtain a United States SECRET clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research in multi-vehicle autonomous solutions.
  • Collaborate with teams to implement autonomous control concepts.

Skills

Modern C++
Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Matlab/Simulink
Python
Git

Job description

Overview

Job No: 503126  | Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)  | Location: Dayton, OH  | Category: Research Institute Staff  | Department: UAS & Embedded Systems - 250651  | Pay Grade: R4 - Exempt  | Advertised: October 08, 2025  | Applications close: Open until filled

Join the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) - Autonomy Systems division and lead groundbreaking research that transforms how autonomous systems operate in complex environments. As a Principal Autonomy Software Engineer, you will be responsible for researching and developing practical multi-vehicle autonomous solutions across a variety of projects. Multi-vehicle Autonomous Controls research involves coordinating, synchronizing, and overseeing groups of autonomous vehicles involving control theory, computer science, and human factors.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to research and development of multi-vehicle autonomous solutions across projects in the Autonomy Systems division. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to advance autonomous control concepts from theory to implementation in real-world environments.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Computer Science or equivalent
  • 10+ years of experience in research within the US Defense Industry (DoD or related)
  • Successful experience with modern C++
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and cannot hold dual citizenship
  • Eligibility to obtain a United States SECRET clearance (or higher) is required for ongoing employment in this position
Preferred Qualifications
  • MS degree, or higher, in related field
  • 13+ years of experience in research within the US Defense Industry (DoD or related)
  • Experience interacting with Air Force customers or clients
  • Experience with full software lifecycle
  • Demonstrated, successful experience programming in algorithm level languages such as Matlab/Simulink, Python or similar
  • Demonstrated, successful experience developing software to communicate and exchange information (e.g. commands, status, data) with hardware devices, sensors, and/or systems
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with source code version control systems such as Git, Subversion, or similar
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with software development practices such as Agile, Scrum, or similar
  • Demonstrated, successful experience developing complex systems of systems (SoS) by integrating disparate software and hardware systems from multiple vendors
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with sensing modalities including EO, IR, SAR, MTI, HSI, LiDAR, or polarimetric imaging (PI)
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with embedded systems design and programming, including RTOS
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with developing, integrating and maintaining multi-ISR systems at high levels of technological readiness
  • Demonstrated, successful experience leading technical teams in solving complex computer engineering problems
  • Demonstrated experience developing and interacting with 6DOF models
  • Experience with Multi-agent cooperative path planning
  • Active US SECRET (or higher) clearance
Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Closing Statement

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans\' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

  • Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater) 1
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