Senior Autonomous Systems Architect

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE’s Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department seeks a senior leader to drive autonomy-focused research and hands-on impact across defense, healthcare, and transportation. You will guide cross-functional teams, advance AI/Autonomy evaluation, and help shape mission-critical solutions while collaborating with sponsors and partners.

The role requires broad autonomy expertise, strong communication, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within a year.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Autonomy and AI with a relevant degree; or 6+ with a Master's; or PhD with 3 years of experience.
• Broad understanding of autonomous systems across domains (DoD, services, IC, DHS, industry, academia).
• Familiarity with ROS 2 and Docker; ability to work independently to learn new technologies.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance within 12 months; U.S. citizenship required.
• On-site work requirement: minimum 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams evaluating autonomous systems performance.
• Maintain knowledge of advances in autonomy and robotics capabilities.
• Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and guide sponsors based on requirements.
• Work on robotics-related topics such as computer vision, deep learning, ML, planning, and multi-robot systems.
• Help define and execute strategy for AI/Autonomy in high-consequence applications.
• Collaborate with sponsors and stakeholders to shape research initiatives.
• Support investigations into safety, testing, and societal implications of autonomy.

Skills

Autonomy & AI

Robotics expertise

ROS 2

Docker

Technical leadership

Clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

Docker

Job description

MITRE’s Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department seeks a senior leader to drive autonomy-focused research and hands-on impact across defense, healthcare, and transportation. You will guide cross-functional teams, advance AI/Autonomy evaluation, and help shape mission-critical solutions while collaborating with sponsors and partners.

The role requires broad autonomy expertise, strong communication, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance within a year.