Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

MITRE

Bedford (MA)

Hybrid

USD 144,000 - 215,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

MITRE is seeking a technically skilled leader to advance autonomy and AI across robotics, sensing, and cloud environments. The role emphasizes strategic evaluation, rapid learning, and collaboration with sponsors to address mission-critical challenges.

The candidate should bring deep expertise in autonomous systems, AI/ML, and hands-on experience with ROS 2 and Docker, along with the ability to manage complex programs and budgets. Hybrid work options available.

Qualifications

> Typically requires 5+ years in Autonomy/AI with a relevant degree; alternative combos accepted.
> Broad understanding of autonomous systems across domains (DoD, IC, industry, academia).
> Deep experience in robotics areas like CV, DL/ML, control, HMI, or multi-robot systems.
> Ability to articulate autonomy challenges and real-world constraints clearly.
> Familiarity with ROS 2 and Docker; ability to learn new tech quickly.

Responsibilities

> Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams evaluating and improving autonomous systems.
> Maintain knowledge of advances in autonomy and robotics capabilities.
> Leverage expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance.
> Provide thought leadership on autonomy/AI adoption in robotics hardware and cloud computing.
> Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and guide sponsors per their requirements.
> Work on robotics topics such as computer vision, ML, planning, human-machine teaming, multi-robot systems.
> Build capabilities in growth areas for Autonomous Systems (e.g., healthcare robotics, space robotics).

Skills

Autonomy

Leadership

Communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree (relevant field)

Master’s degree (relevant)

PhD (relevant)

Tools

ROS 2

Docker

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

The Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department works to enable effective and safe adoption of embodied AI solutions for the most critical challenges. Our technical team of experts, developers, and strategists are helping to realize the benefits autonomy will bring across various sectors including defense, healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement. We bring our unique and unbiased understanding of missions, the innovation landscape, and technology to focus in areas where industry is not incentivized or able to operate to bring insights and solutions to MITRE’s sponsors and partners.

Roles & Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams evaluating and improving the performance of autonomous systems
Maintain knowledge of advances of autonomy and robotics capabilities
Leverage technical expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance
Provide thought leadership centered around autonomy/AI technology adoption on robotics hardware and cloud-based computing environments
Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and provide guidance to sponsors based on their requirements
Work on topics in robotics-relevant fields, such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems
Build capabilities in one of more growth area for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
Help department and division define and execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications

Basic Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in Autonomy and AI with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of autonomy -related education and work experience
Broad understanding of autonomous systems across multiple domains (Department of War, Services, Intelligence Community, DHS, industry, and academia)
Deep experience in one or more robotics-relevant fields such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, control theory, human–machine teaming, or multi-robot systems
Ability to clearly articulate autonomy-specific challenges (perception, reasoning, behaviors, collaboration), understand real-world application constraints, discuss critical issues, and identify capability gaps
Familiarity with state-of-the-art autonomy research and tools, including ROS 2 and Docker
Proven ability to work independently to rapidly learn new technologies, techniques, processes, languages, platforms, and systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and stakeholders
Demonstrated leadership skills, including leading teams, developing, and managing schedules, communicating risks, and managing budgets
Experience developing, proposing, and executing autonomy-focused research initiatives
Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret clearance within 12 months from the date of hire
Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in related field such as Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.
Experience with software development in a production setting
Knowledge of advances of Autonomy and AI evaluation capabilities in industry and academia
Domain knowledge of swarming systems, red teaming, counter UxS, robotic test and evaluation, agentic AI, manufacturing robotics, and/or missile defense
Experience with configuring and writing software for open-source flight controllers (ArduPilot, PX4. Mission Planner, QGroundControl, etc)
Experience with rapid prototyping, including fabrication and electronics
Experience with field testing autonomous systems, particularly unmanned aerial systems
Knowledge and/or experience with edge computing, C-SWAP (compute, size, weight, and power) platforms, and/or surrogate or scaled platforms
Work and/or leadership of teams to implement and evaluate AI and Autonomy algorithms
Active DoD Top Secret clearance

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s)

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s)

Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint

$143,600 - $179,500 - $215,400 Annual

Work Location Type

Hybrid

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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