Senior Autonomous Systems Scientist for Critical Missions

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute in Arlington, VA seeks a Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist to develop a research agenda and lead research addressing critical U.S. government needs in AI-enabled autonomous systems.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in ML, robotics, and autonomy across domains, with strong collaboration skills to guide interdisciplinary teams and mentor junior staff. Travel and security-clearance considerations apply.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS with required years in robotics, CS, ML or EE as stated in job ad.
• Experience leading research projects across teams and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to convey complex ideas.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on research leading novel ML and robotics work.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams to prototype operational capabilities for government customers.
• Collaborate with researchers, developers, engineers, designers, and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior staff and establish technical norms for the Lab.
• Stay current with AI-enabled autonomous systems and national security use cases.
• Deliver technical talks and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

ML & robotics research

Project leadership

Technical communication

Grant/proposal writing

Programming: Python/C/C++

Domain focus: maritime/land/space

Security clearance preference

Education

PhD in related field

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

Python

C/C++

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute in Arlington, VA seeks a Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist to develop a research agenda and lead research addressing critical U.S. government needs in AI-enabled autonomous systems.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in ML, robotics, and autonomy across domains, with strong collaboration skills to guide interdisciplinary teams and mentor junior staff. Travel and security-clearance considerations apply.