Software Autonomy Engineer

Draper; Cambridge, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper is seeking an Autonomy Engineer to design and develop autonomous behaviors for multi‑domain teams of vehicles across aerial, ground, underwater and space domains in Cambridge, MA. The role emphasizes task and motion planning, ROS/ROS2, and real‑time software development in defense and aerospace contexts.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of software engineering experience, a strong background in control systems and autonomy, and a Bachelor’s degree in AE/EE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.
• 3–5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements and proposes solutions.
• 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 verify requirements.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations.

Skills

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Real‑time software

GNC

Communication

ROS/ROS2

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering / Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

ROS/ROS2

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

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

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

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $75,000.00 - $156,000.00

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].

We are in the business of redefining what is possible.

Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow.

Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.