Software Autonomy Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper is seeking an Autonomy Engineer in Cambridge, MA to design and develop autonomous behaviors for multi-domain teams of autonomous vehicles. The role focuses on task and motion planning, software integration, and AI-augmented autonomy across aerial, ground, underwater, and space domains.

Candidates should have 3–5 years in software engineering, a Bachelor's in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, and strong skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++,ROS/ROS2, with a preference for advanced

Qualifications

• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling and validation.
• Strong programming in C/C++ for embedded and real-time software.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and robotics software integration.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requirements and design autonomous algorithms for multi-domain vehicles.
• Develop embedded software from prototype algorithms and test against requirements.
• Analyze performance and validate real-time control and autonomy systems.
• Prepare technical data and documentation and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

ROS/ROS2

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Aerospace or Electrical Eng)

Masters/PhD preferred

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Autonomy Engineer to design and develop autonomous behaviors for multi-domain heterogeneous teams of autonomous vehicles. The Autonomy Engineer will work on cutting-edge defense systems that is fielded by the US Government and commercial customers in aerial, ground, underwater, and space domains. The preferred candidate has knowledge in the following areas;

• Task and motion planning
• Software integration and testing with robotics platforms
• Hybrid methods that augment deterministic autonomy algorithms with AI-based approaches
• Optimization and resource allocation for large team of teams
• C/C++, ROS/ROS2

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience

3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is preferred.

Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code

02139-3563

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$75,000.00 - $156,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].