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Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Systems Engineer leads system-level integration, requirements definition, and architectural alignment for autonomy and site technology solutions. Operating with a high degree of ...

Systems Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$117K - $176K/yr

As a Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role, recognized for approachability and serving as ... Work autonomously and collaboratively within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where quick ...

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro ... Experience supporting autonomous or semi-autonomous systems, including conveyors, lifts, AS/RS ...

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting,maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro ... Experience supporting autonomous or semi-autonomous systems, including conveyors, lifts, AS/RS ...

Lead AI Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Lead AI Engineer Location: Phoenix AZ/Sunrise FL its day 1 onsite Duration: Long term Skill Set: AI ... Evaluation, observability, and safety tooling for autonomous systems * Lead technical design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Autonomous Systems Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$49.9K

$118.5K

$155.6K

How much do autonomous systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous systems engineer in Arizona is $118,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $146,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior autonomous systems engineers, especially those with advanced expertise in robotics, machine learning, and control systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with experience, specialized skills, leadership roles, and working in industries like aerospace, defense, or autonomous vehicle development.

What does an Autonomous Systems Engineer do?

An Autonomous Systems Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes self-governing systems that operate with minimal human intervention. This includes robotics, self-driving vehicles, drones, and AI-driven automation. They work with sensors, machine learning, control systems, and software to ensure reliable decision-making and adaptability in dynamic environments. Their role often involves testing, simulation, and integration of hardware and software components to improve system efficiency and safety.

How much do autonomous systems engineers make?

Autonomous systems engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $90,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in robotics, machine learning, and sensor integration can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Autonomous Systems Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Systems Engineer, you need strong expertise in robotics, control systems, sensor integration, and proficiency in languages such as Python or C++, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB/Simulink, and experience deploying algorithms on embedded hardware are typically required. Effective problem-solving, strong teamwork, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable autonomous solutions, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams for successful system deployment.

What are some common challenges faced by Autonomous Systems Engineers and how are they addressed?

Autonomous Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse hardware and software components, achieving robust sensor fusion, and ensuring system reliability in unpredictable environments. Addressing these challenges typically involves rigorous simulation testing, iterative algorithm development, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams in software, hardware, and systems engineering. Engineers must also stay updated with advancements in machine learning and robotics to continually refine and enhance system capabilities. Employers support these efforts through ongoing training, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and investment in advanced prototyping resources.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced autonomous systems engineers working in specialized fields such as aerospace, defense, or advanced robotics can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills in AI and machine learning, and leadership roles. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives in addition to base salary.

What do autonomous systems engineers do?

Autonomous systems engineers design, develop, and test systems that operate independently, such as self-driving vehicles or robotic automation. They work with sensors, algorithms, and control systems, often using programming languages like C++ or Python, and may require knowledge of machine learning, robotics, and embedded systems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $118,550 per year, or $57 per hour.
Senior Autonomy Systems Engineer

Senior Autonomy Systems Engineer

Caterpillar

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$112K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 474 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

264th of 485 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
This role contributes to the design, integration, and implementation of system capabilities across Caterpillar technology platforms. The Senior Systems Engineer leads system-level integration, requirements definition, and architectural alignment for autonomy and site technology solutions. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role applies systems engineering expertise to integrate software, hardware, and operational workflows across machine, site, and platform boundaries. The engineer influences technical decisions across teams while balancing product delivery constraints and long-term system sustainability.
Our CAT Technology Automation and Autonomy teams are focused on evolving the state of the art and bringing emerging automation & autonomy technology into the harsh production environments found on typical mining and construction jobsites. As we continue to enhance and develop new products we will be hiring across;
  • Command for Hauling
  • Core Autonomy Development Framework
  • Positioning Solutions
  • Safety Solutions
  • Remote Control Solutions
  • Surfacing Loading (Construction & Quarry)
  • Site Technology (Surface, Underground, and Construction)

What You Will Do:
  • Define, decompose, and manage system-level requirements and interfaces
  • Lead or support system integration and validation activities
  • Ensure alignment between architecture intent, implementation, and verification
  • Collaborate across software, hardware, machine, and site teams
  • Communicate system readiness, technical risk, and trade-offs to stakeholders
  • Document system architecture, design decisions, and success criteria
  • Apply engineering judgment to balance time, cost, quality, and risk

What You Have:
  • Systems Engineering Experience: Demonstrated experience leading system requirements development and management across complex, multi-team or multi-product environments. Proven experience defining system architecture, interfaces, and integration strategies that scale across platforms and industries. Experience making architectural trade-offs and influencing technical direction beyond a single team or product.
  • Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Software Development Life Cycle: Knowledge of software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.
  • Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.
  • Application Development Tools: Knowledge of application and system development; ability to utilize a variety of specific tools and toolkits for developing applications.
  • Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation
  • Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field - or commensurate industry experience.

Consideration for Top Candidates:
  • Proven experience as a Systems Engineer on software and/or hardware product development programs; onboard or embedded systems preferred
  • Experience developing system requirements and supporting integration and testing efforts; collaboration with other engineering teams
  • Proven experience in mentoring or influencing other systems engineers
  • Experience with field testing, HIL and providing ground support preferred
  • Experience supporting L6/L8 requirements decomposition
  • Domain experience with Loaders, Haul Trucks, Dozers and Shovels preferred
  • Experience with Site Autonomy Platforms preferred
  • Experience with Construction and Mining industry preferred
  • Experience supporting embedded / onboard development for robotics or autonomy products preferred.

Additional Information:
  • This position is to work onsite at our Mossville, IL office.
  • Some teams may also work out of our Irving, TX or Tucson, AZ offices.
  • Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position
  • This position may require travel up to 15%
  • #LI

Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $183,140.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
July 13, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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