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Autonomous Robot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate has a strong software development background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers ...

Autonomy Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

C ond uct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and ... autonomy, and human interaction. Apply advanced engineering skills, extensive technical expertise ...

Autonomy Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site +1

$99K - $225K/yr

Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned ... autonomy, and human interaction. Apply advanced engineering skills, extensive technical expertise ...

Autonomy Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned ... autonomy, and human interaction. Apply advanced engineering skills, extensive technical expertise ...

Robotics Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Autonomy Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Conduct the research, development, integration, deployment, and evaluation of robotic and unmanned ... autonomy, and human interaction. Apply advanced engineering skills, extensive technical expertise ...

Robotics Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Charlottesville, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Senior Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex electronic products like laptop PCs, servers, and battery packs. Working with some of the leading ...

Senior Robotics Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

... that values autonomy and impact. WHO YOU ARE: * 5+ years of industry experience developing ... Proficiency with ROS, ROS2, or another robot-oriented software framework * Proficiency with the ...

Molg builds robotics microfactories and software to autonomously assemble and disassemble complex electronic products like laptop PCs, servers, and battery packs. Working with some of the leading ...

Showing results 41-60

Autonomous Robot information

What is the difference between Autonomous Robot vs Robot Technician?

AspectAutonomous RobotRobot Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certification in robotics or automationTechnical diploma or certification in robotics, electronics, or maintenance
Work EnvironmentOperates independently in manufacturing, logistics, or field settingsMaintains, repairs, and installs robots in industrial or commercial facilities
Industry UsageDesigns and deploys autonomous systems in various sectorsSupports and services robotic equipment used in industry

Autonomous Robots are designed to operate independently, often requiring advanced engineering knowledge, while Robot Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing robotic systems. Both roles are essential in robotics industries but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are autonomous robots?

Autonomous robots are machines capable of performing tasks and making decisions without direct human intervention. They use sensors, software, and artificial intelligence to perceive their environment, process information, and act on their own. These robots are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and even in homes for tasks like cleaning. Their level of autonomy can vary, from simple programmed routines to complex behaviors that adapt to changing circumstances. The goal of autonomous robots is to increase efficiency, reduce human labor, and perform tasks that may be dangerous or repetitive for people.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working on autonomous robot development teams?

Engineers working on autonomous robot development teams often encounter challenges such as integrating complex hardware and software systems, ensuring reliable sensor data interpretation, and maintaining robust performance in unpredictable real-world environments. Collaboration is key, as teams typically include specialists in areas like perception, navigation, and mechanical design. Clear communication and agile problem-solving are essential, especially when troubleshooting issues that arise during field testing or adapting to new use cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous robot engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Robot Engineer, you need expertise in robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and a solid background in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with technical tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), sensor integration, and programming languages like Python or C++ is essential, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively and innovate solutions to complex challenges. These skills ensure the development, deployment, and maintenance of reliable autonomous robotic systems in real-world environments.
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Robot jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Robot jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Autonomous Robot jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Autonomous Robot job openings:
Infographic showing various Autonomous Robot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Forterra

Arlington, VA • On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Forterra
At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.
Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.
About the role
Forterra is seeking a senior software engineer with a passion for autonomous systems. In this role, you will design, develop, and field software solutions that enable intelligent behavior in robotics and automation technologies. You will directly support real-world missions across our fleet of ground vehicles operated by our national security customers around the world.
The ideal candidate has a strong software development background, familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems, and proven track record of collaborating with a cross-functional team of engineers, researchers, and product managers to create robust and scalable software for complex systems.
What you'll do
  • Bring autonomy into real operations: Integrate and deploy our autonomy stack on customer-bound hardware platforms and validate it in real-world conditions.
  • Build with users and stakeholders: Work across the organization and directly with end-users to deliver new behaviors, payload integrations, and emerging mission use-cases.
  • Optimize the full system: Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior-how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact-and drive overall performance improvements.
  • Close the loop from test to deploy: Analyze test results, identify issues and root causes, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive problems to resolution
  • Improve the core autonomy stack: Detect performance shortfalls, shape solution approaches, and implement enhancements in partnership with cross-functional teams.
  • Connect product needs to R&D execution: Partner across business development and engineering teams to translate customer requirements into delivered autonomy capabilities.
  • Travel: Travel ranging from 10-25% and 25-50% depending on candidate preference and role placement. Ability to commute to Arlington, VA as needed.

Qualifications
  • 3 or more years of relevant experience
  • B.S. in computer science, engineering, robotics, or related field or relevant experience/show of skill
  • Experience in integrating software on hardware products
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, or Java
  • Solid core software engineering skills: software design, unit testing, debugging
  • Ability to consistently deliver production-quality software in a continuously integrated environment
  • Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design principles
  • Demonstrates clean, maintainable code and documentation practices
  • Experience working in teams and a willingness to proactively solve problems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in software development for robotics and autonomous systems
  • Experience with safety-critical systems (e.g., MIL-STD-882, ISO-26262, DO-178)
  • Experience with ROS2
  • Experience with state machines and motion / path planning
  • Knowledge of navigation, mapping algorithms and robot perception
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded programming
  • Leadership experience on cross-functional software teams

US Salary Range
$150,000-$250,000
The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:
  • Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
  • Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
  • Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
  • A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
  • A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
  • Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position may require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.