Lead Autonomous Systems Engineer

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Department Summary:

MITRE's Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center's Robotics and Autonomous Systems Department is an innovative team of engineers focused on the development of cutting-edge autonomous systems, robotics capabilities, and AI solutions for a safer world. The Robotics and Autonomous Systems Department has a new opportunity for a strong technical candidate with a STEM degree to join an innovative team of engineers focused on developing Artificial Intelligence and/or Autonomous System solutions for sponsor needs. The right candidate will enjoy a fast-paced team environment and working with groundbreaking technology. We are seeking a self-starter that assists in building robotics and artificial intelligence projects. The candidate for this position will work a wide variety of challenging activities in direct support of sponsor programs and will support MITRE's AI and autonomy efforts.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience related to Autonomy and AI with a Bachelor's degree or 6 years with a Master's degree or a PhD with 3 years of 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 ability to shape and define work in collaboration with sponsors or stakeholders, even in the absence of fully defined requirements
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including leading teams, developing, and managing schedules, communicating risks, and managing budgets
• Experience developing, proposing, and executing autonomy-focused research initiatives
• 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
• 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:
$174,000 - $217,500 - $261,000 Annual

Work Location Type:
Hybrid

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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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