ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Inficare Technologies

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 ...

Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer - Level 4

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$122K - $184K/yr

The candidate should possess a strong resolve to drive tasks to completion autonomously and possess ... to system or subsystem analytical models. Interface with IPT engineering staff as required.

Judge Group, Inc.

GNC Engineer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Senior GNC & Autonomy Engineer About the Role We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced ... Experience working in robotics, UAV, aerospace, or autonomous systems environments preferred ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona

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 Sep 6, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous systems engineer?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles 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:

Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $118,550 per year, or $57 per hour.

Chief Systems Architect

AIRO Group Holdings, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Define system boundaries, flight-critical architectures, and standard APIs for drone programs.

  • Architect open, extensible hardware and software baselines, ensuring NDAA compliance and managing ICDs.

  • Drive the design and integration of UAV platforms, including avionics, propulsion, payloads, power systems, and onboard compute.

Job description

Build the Future with Us
At AIRO, we bring together aircraft, autonomy, avionics, and mission services into one integrated platform designed for the environments where failure is not an option. Our technology supports contested logistics, tactical and long-range ISTAR, and operations that demand precision under pressure, so the people who depend on it can get where they need to be when it matters most. Here, you will work alongside innovators, engineers, operators, and industry leaders who share a passion for solving hard problems and building what comes next in aerospace and defense.
Join us and be part of something extraordinary.
Position Overview:
As the Chief Systems Architect, you will serve as the hands-on engineering leader driving technical execution across AIRO's high-growth drone business. You will own the system design and build the engineering infrastructure needed to turn complex requirements into field-ready tactical and commercial platforms. From architecting Modular Open Systems Architectures (MOSA) to locking down baseline APIs, you will translate strategic goals into production-grade hardware and software realities.
You will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through the entire lifecycle-rigorously designing, testing, and deploying next-generation autonomous systems. Your day-to-day focus will center on aggressive platform SWaP-C optimization, integrating advanced autonomy algorithms, and enforcing standard engineering practices that accelerate flight-readiness. If you thrive on solving complex integration bottlenecks, working directly with hardware and code, and rapidly fielding mission-critical uncrewed systems, this role delivers immediate impact.
Key Responsibilities:
  • UAS Architecture & Technical Authority: Serve as the chief engineering authority across drone programs, defining system boundaries, flight-critical architectures, and standard APIs.
  • Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA): Architect open, extensible hardware and software baselines, governing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and ensuring strict NDAA compliance.
  • UAV System Design & Integration: Architect end-to-end UAV platforms, driving the design and integration of flight-critical avionics, propulsion, mission payloads, power systems, and onboard compute.
  • SWaP-C Optimization & Trade Studies: Lead multidisciplinary trade studies to optimize Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) across compute, payloads, and power subsystems.
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Implement end-to-end MBSE workflows (Cameo, Jama, MATLAB/Simulink) for requirement verification, behavioral modeling, and ICD tracing.
  • Customer & Stakeholder Technical Leadership: Act as the primary technical interface for government and commercial customers, translating complex architectures into high-impact proposals and program reviews.
  • Full-Lifecycle Program Execution: Drive platforms through major defense and commercial milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) to deliver validated, field-ready autonomous systems.
  • Applied Innovation & AI/ML: Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, applying onboard AI/ML and edge computing to enhance autonomous mission performance.

Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of progressive systems engineering and architecture experience within aerospace, defense, or autonomous robotics platforms.
  • Proven track record leading system-level architecture, payload integration, and SWaP-C trade studies for unmanned aircraft systems (Group 1-3+ UAS, eVTOL, or fixed-wing drones).
  • Deep domain expertise in MOSA, NDAA compliance, open architecture communication buses, and strict ICD compliance.
  • Hands-on proficiency with MBSE and modeling toolsets (Cameo, MATLAB / Simulink, etc...) combined with Jira and Confluence governance.
  • Demonstrated leadership in setting technical standards, and coordinating cross-functional disciplines (embedded systems, GCS, autonomy, RF, and mechanical design).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Security Clearance.

Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, plus a minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience; or
• Master's degree in Engineering, plus a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 10+ years' experience in as a Chief System Architect or Chief Engineer.
  • Direct experience with autonomous drone software stacks, edge AI compute (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson), Software Defined Radios (SDR), or RF/electronic payloads.
  • Familiarity with military/commercial UAS standards (e.g., STANAG 4586, DO-178C/DO-254, FAA Part 107/BVLoS airworthiness requirements).
  • Experience working in an iterative or Agile delivery environment, ideally including exposure to DevOps based build-it, run-it teams.
  • Proven leadership experience in leading technical engineering teams, preferably with a track record of successfully delivering complex architecture projects.
  • Experience influencing technical strategy and leading execution of cross-functional initiatives

SECURITY & COMPLIANCE
• Comply with all company information, security policies and procedures
• Ensure proper handling and protection of proprietary information
• Share information only on a need-to-know basis
• Adhere to company non-disclosure requirements
Physical and Mental Requirements:
• Standing and sitting for extended periods of time,
• Lifting up to 25 pounds in a safe and prudent manner,
• Ability to work and communicate well with other employees and management, customers, visitors, vendors.
• Ability to perform work utilizing manual dexterity of the hands,
• Ability to push, pull, bend, stoop, reach above and below shoulders, and full use of upper extremities,
• Ability to easily move through an approximately 25,000 square foot warehouse building,
• Ability to read, write, and understand English,
• Correctable vision and hearing.
Company Benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Commuter Benefits
• Basic Life Insurance - fully paid by the company for employees and their dependents
• Long-Term Disability Insurance - fully paid by the company
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance options
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee may also be asked to perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor as required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. The AIRO Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply