Senior Autonomous Defense Systems Engineer

The challenge

Lead systems engineering for a next-generation autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) program for the U.S. Army. Drive the MOSA-compliant architecture through the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.

Role overview

Systems engineering for autonomous capabilities on a classified military ground vehicle program. Autonomy architecture definition, interface control documents between autonomy and vehicle subsystems, and ensuring the system meets both operational requirements and DoD autonomous weapons policy.

Specializations

Technical requirements

• BS in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field
• 8+ years in autonomous systems engineering, with 4+ years on DoD programs
• Experience with MOSA (Modular Open Systems Approach) architecture design
• Understanding of military vehicle autonomy standards and DoD autonomous weapons policy
• Experience with MIL-STD systems engineering processes
• Active TS/SCI clearance required

Key responsibilities

• Define the autonomy architecture for an autonomous military ground vehicle using MOSA principles
• Develop system requirements for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and mission planning
• Manage interface control documents between autonomy software and vehicle subsystems
• Lead the verification and validation plan for autonomous capabilities
• Coordinate with the Army program office on autonomy requirements and test events
• Ensure compliance with DoD autonomous systems policy (DoD Directive 3000.09)

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $200,000 - $235,000
• Annual bonus 10-15%
• Clearance premium included in base
• 9/80 work schedule
• Comprehensive benefits including pension-equivalent plan