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Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The role Wayve's Engineering Validation team builds confidence in the autonomy systems we deliver to product and customer teams. As a Systems Engineer, you will own a core part of the behavior ...

At Joby, Systems Engineers manage the end-to-end design, integration, and execution of complex ... You will provide technical guidance and coordination across the Autonomous Aircraft's Systems, from ...

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Mytra's Systems Engineering team is seeking a Robotics Systems Engineer to architect, debug, and operationally support our autonomous robotic systems across both product and infrastructure domains.

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Autonomous Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do autonomous systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous systems engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 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 California? The most popular types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.
Systems Engineer, Mission Autonomy, Active Clearance with Security Clearance

Systems Engineer, Mission Autonomy, Active Clearance with Security Clearance

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold.

Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years. ABOUT THE TEAM We are working on cutting-edge autonomous airpower systems that need to operate in the most demanding environments.

To support our development and deployment tasks, we are building a Systems Engineering team to guide Digital Engineering strategy and complement our Mission Software Engineering, Product Engineering, and Business Development teams. This team will provide Model Based Systems Engineering and Requirements Based Testing artifacts which will be used in support of product development, delivery, and sustainment of advanced mission autonomy systems. WHAT YOU'LL DO * You will be a systems engineer who interfaces with stakeholders including internal programs and external customers * You will develop artifacts based on stakeholder needs and work closely with functional areas to ensure artifacts are complete and accurate.

Model Artifacts will often be contractual deliverables and require demonstration at stakeholder meetings and events * This role will be a critical interface between Anduril and government customer in providing real Systems Engineering and Mission Systems Integration capabilities * Participate in the development of our Digital and Systems Engineering Strategy and Implementation * Develop a deep understanding of Anduril platforms, autonomy, simulation, and perception products through the creation and maintenance of systems engineering artifacts REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, computer science or similar engineering or technical field * 2+ years Systems Engineering Experience across the life cycle. The more, the better * Understanding of interoperability and integration challenges in defense systems * Understanding of Mission Autonomy use cases, behaviors, and methods (Teaming, Formation Flight, etc...) * Experience with requirements analysis and system design in a government context * Experience with Systems Engineering, Requirements Elicitation and Management, Integration, and Test Activities on complex systems - DoD Weapon Systems, Space Systems, etc...

* Experience with SysML, DoDAF, UAFP, or similar * Experience developing various model based system engineering artifacts - Operational Viewpoints, System Viewpoints, activity diagrams, use case diagrams, BDDs, IBDs, parametric diagrams, etc... * Experience with Cameo MagicDraw or similar systems engineering software (Rhapsody, SparxEA, etc...) * Experience with Digital Engineering workflows and Integrated Modeling Environments (i.e. Teamwork Cloud) * Outstanding communication skills to include presentation of developed artifacts * Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S.

Secret security clearance * Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Experience as a contributor of the A-GRA standard or as an implementer of an adopting Mission Autonomy solution * Experience defining or implementing Mission Autonomy behaviors through UCI * Experience with requirements based testing frameworks * Experience with mission systems integration, particularly for AI-driven decision-making systems * Understanding of sensor fusion techniques and their application in autonomous systems * Experience with automation in Cameo or Python relevant to Systems Engineering use cases * INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Certification US Salary Range $146,000 - $194,000 USD The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.

Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including: Benefits At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

For more information, Explore Our Benefits . Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers.

These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information. To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind: * No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.

* Please always verify communications: * Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address. * Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to .

* Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links. * What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to .

Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts. Data Privacy To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/ . By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process.

This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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