8+ years of experience in Autonomy and AI, or equivalent education and experience
Broad understanding of autonomous systems in military, intelligence, and industry
Deep experience in robotics-relevant fields including computer vision and machine learning
Ability to articulate challenges in autonomy and AI applications
Familiarity with autonomy research and tools like ROS 2 and Docker
Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement
Proven leadership in shaping project direction and managing team dynamics
Responsibilities
Lead cross-functional teams to enhance autonomous systems performance
Stay updated on developments in autonomy and robotics
Use technical expertise to assess AI/autonomy system effectiveness
Provide thought leadership on autonomy technology adoption
Evaluate and guide solutions based on sponsor needs
Engage with robotics topics like human-machine teaming and multi-robot systems
Develop capabilities in growth areas like healthcare or maritime autonomy
Define strategies for high-stakes autonomy applications considering safety and ethical implications
Benefits
Hybrid work model with minimum on-site requirement
Opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technology
Engagement in high-impact projects across diverse sectors
Ability to work with a team of experts and innovators
Support for obtaining necessary security clearances
Full Job Description
The Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department works to enable effective and safe adoption of embodied AI solutions for the most critical challenges. Our technical team of experts, developers, and strategists are helping to realize the benefits autonomy will bring across various sectors including defense, healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement. We bring our unique and unbiased understanding of missions, the innovation landscape, and technology to focus in areas where industry is not incentivized or able to operate to bring insights and solutions to MITRE's sponsors and partners.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams evaluating and improving the performance of autonomous systems
Maintain knowledge of advances of autonomy and robotics capabilities
Leverage technical expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance
Provide thought leadership centered around autonomy/AI technology adoption on robotics hardware and cloud-based computing environments
Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and provide guidance to sponsors based on their requirements
Work on topics in robotics-relevant fields, such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems
Build capabilities in one of more growth area for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
Help department and division define and execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications
Basic Qualifications:
Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in Autonomy and AI with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of autonomy-related education and work 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
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
Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret clearance within 12 months from the date of hire
Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
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
Active DoD Top 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
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
