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Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Dayton, OH

$205K - $307K/yr

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer of Autonomy to lead the technical execution of autonomy ... autonomous mission systems, air combat autonomy, or collaborative autonomous systems. * Background ...

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Dayton, OH

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer of Autonomy to lead the technical execution of autonomy ... autonomous mission systems, air combat autonomy, or collaborative autonomous systems. * Background ...

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BTAS

Spectrum Warfare Engineer

Dayton, OH

Spectrum Warfare Engineer LOCATION: Fairborn, Ohio, WPAFB REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Top Secret ... Support the development and evaluation of RF, EW, SDR, and autonomous systems technologies.

TRC Inc

Test Engineer I

East Liberty, OH · On-site

Purpose Test Engineer - Autonomous Driving Platform Integration & Validation We are hiring Test Engineers across Junior and Senior levels to support the validation of autonomous driving systems ...

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Autonomous Systems Engineer information

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$50.9K

$120.9K

$158.8K

How much do autonomous systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous systems engineer in Ohio is $120,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $149,300.00 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.
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Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Shield AI

Dayton, OH

$205K - $307K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer of Autonomy to lead the technical execution of autonomy capabilities supporting one of the most important military aviation initiatives of our generation. 

As the senior technical leader for Shield AI's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) autonomy efforts, you will help define how autonomous aircraft operate alongside crewed fighters in contested environments, enabling a new era of air superiority through trusted, scalable autonomy. 

This role carries end-to-end responsibility for technical vision, architecture, execution, flight test, operational integration, and customer success. You will work across engineering, product, flight operations, programs, and government stakeholders to transition autonomy from development to operational capability at scale. 

This is not a research position. This is a position focused on delivering mission-ready autonomy systems that perform in real-world operational environments. 

What You'll Do:

  • Serve as the senior technical authority for Shield AI's CCA autonomy efforts, accountable for technical strategy, architecture, execution, customer engagement, and mission effectiveness. 

  • Lead the development, integration, and deployment of operational autonomy capabilities from concept through flight test, operational evaluation, and fielding. 

  • Define and evolve autonomy architectures spanning mission planning, perception, decision-making, collaborative behaviors, human-machine teaming, and platform integration. 

  • Drive engineering rigor and technical governance across the program, ensuring sound architectural decisions, disciplined execution, and mission-focused outcomes. 

  • Partner closely with program leadership to balance risk, schedule, operational requirements, and customer priorities. 

  • Lead technical readiness for major demonstrations, flight tests, program milestones, operational assessments, and customer engagements. 

  • Direct verification, validation, and operational integration efforts required to establish trust, performance, safety, and mission effectiveness. 

  • Build and mentor a world-class technical organization consisting of chief engineers, architects, principal engineers, autonomy developers, and mission domain experts. 

  • Help shape the future of autonomous air combat by influencing requirements, concepts of operation, technical roadmaps, and next-generation autonomy capabilities. 

Required Qualifications:

  • 15+ years of engineering experience developing complex aerospace, defense, autonomy, weapons, or mission-critical systems. 

  • Experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Chief Architect, Technical Fellow, Technical Program Manager, or equivalent technical leadership role. 

  • Demonstrated success leading large multidisciplinary engineering teams through development, integration, test, and deployment of operational systems. 

  • Proven ability to lead across software, systems, AI/ML, simulation, mission systems, flight test, and operational stakeholders. 

  • Experience delivering major defense products with significant technical complexity and customer visibility. 

  • Experience working directly with Air Force, Navy, Operational Users, Program Executive Offices, or major defense acquisition programs. 

  • Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence government, military, and industry leaders. 

  • Experience operating effectively in rapidly evolving, high-consequence environments. 

  • Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), advanced aviation autonomy programs, or related initiatives. 

  • Experience with crewed-uncrewed teaming, mission autonomy, autonomous mission systems, air combat autonomy, or collaborative autonomous systems. 

  • Background in military aviation, advanced aerospace systems, weapons systems, mission systems integration, or combat aircraft development. 

$205,000 - $307,000 a year
#LI-ED
#LF
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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