Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer Level 5 (AI Systems & Trust Frameworks)

woodcons.com

Location: Fort Meade, Maryland, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: Day

Telework: None

Salary Range: **$175,000 TO $205,000 per year

** Starting salary is based on minimum education and years of experience and increases based on education and/or experience.

WOOD Federal Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 5 to support mission-critical initiatives focused on the development, integration, evaluation, and operationalization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities within a complex government environment.

The successful candidate will partner with government leadership, mission stakeholders, and cross-functional technical teams to develop user-centric standards, frameworks, and engineering solutions that support the effective implementation of human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop AI systems. This role requires strong systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, requirements management, and technical communication skills, along with the ability to operate effectively in rapidly evolving and ambiguous environments.

This position offers the opportunity to help shape how AI technologies are integrated into mission operations while ensuring solutions remain trustworthy, operationally relevant, and aligned with user needs.

Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires all candidates to be U.S. Citizens and possess an active TS/SCI Security Clearance with a Polygraph.

Systems Engineering & Requirements Management

• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the system lifecycle, including concept development, requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, deployment, and operational support.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders and technical teams to develop and refine stakeholder requirements and mission needs.
• Coordinate across teams and organizations to ensure solutions satisfy technical and operational requirements.
• Lead planning, tracking, and management of engineering activities, risks, dependencies, and technical decisions.

AI Systems Standards & Integration

• Lead development of user-centric standards for human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop AI systems.
• Drive cross-product integration activities to ensure consistency and interoperability across mission capabilities.
• Evaluate and recommend AI-related engineering standards, processes, and technical approaches.
• Lead technical implementation activities associated with AI-enabled mission systems.

Test & Evaluation Framework Development

• Lead development, testing, and refinement of frameworks used to evaluate AI system performance, trustworthiness, and operational effectiveness.
• Design and oversee user testing activities and evaluation methodologies.
• Approve and deliver engineering artifacts, reports, assessments, and technical recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Leadership

• Brief stakeholders and leadership on technical approaches, risks, findings, and project status.
• Facilitate coordination among stakeholders, engineering teams, and leadership.
• Lead technical working groups and collaborative engineering activities.
• Supervise or coordinate the work of other engineers, analysts, and technical contributors supporting project objectives.

Analysis & Problem Solving

• Conduct complex analyses of alternatives and recommend engineering solutions.
• Independently assess technical risks and establish mitigation strategies.
• Develop innovative approaches to emerging engineering challenges.
• Operate effectively in uncertain and rapidly changing environments while maintaining technical rigor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience supporting complex technical programs, consistent with SE Level V requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading systems engineering efforts across multiple lifecycle phases, including requirements development, architecture design, integration, verification, validation, and operational deployment.
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating engineering activities across multiple stakeholders and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to independently make engineering decisions and recommend technical approaches.
• Experience developing or evaluating engineering standards, frameworks, methodologies, or governance approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings and technical presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead efforts in dynamic, uncertain, and rapidly evolving environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), autonomous systems, or advanced analytics initiatives.
• Experience developing AI trustworthiness, testing, evaluation, or governance frameworks.
• Experience leading cross-organizational integration initiatives.
• Experience supporting enterprise-level engineering, standards, or architecture activities.
• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical discipline.
• Experience serving as a technical lead or engineering lead on complex mission programs.
• Experience supporting emerging technology adoption within mission environments.

Fringe Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and remote work options.
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and gym membership discounts.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: Take advantage of professional development opportunities and career advancement. As a vital part of impactful projects, you will have the chance to drive innovation and shape the future of government systems engineering.

• Supportive Environment: Work in a collaborative and flexible environment that values work-life balance. Join a team of top-tier professionals and engage in dynamic, cross-functional collaboration. Your strategic mindset and proactive approach will be highly valued and supported.

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We recognize and reward your expertise and dedication to excellence.

WOOD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.