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Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

You will work closely across several segment owners of engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing. What you'll do: * Develop, publish, and execute ...

DRW

Systems Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using ... As a Systems Software Engineer on our Network Capture Services team, you will help build and ...

New

AbbVie

Agentic AI Security Engineer

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K/yr

You will work alongside senior engineers and researchers who are pushing the boundaries of what autonomous systems can do in cybersecurity. You will contribute production code from day one while ...

Ubiquiti

Pre-Sales Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Pre-Sales Engineer who thrives in ambiguity, thinks in systems, and ... You'll be expected to operate with autonomy, challenge assumptions, and contribute to how UniFi ...

Ubiquiti

Pre-Sales Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Pre-Sales Engineer who thrives in ambiguity, thinks in systems, and ... You'll be expected to operate with autonomy, challenge assumptions, and contribute to how UniFi ...

Alpaca

Senior AI Platform Engineer

Chicago, IL

$107K - $147K/yr

... systems: LLM-powered workflows, tool-calling agents, evaluation loops, or autonomous execution ... Built self-service developer platforms or golden paths used by multiple teams. * Has startup ...

IMC

Trading Engineer - Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Ownership and autonomy over critical systems The Base Salary range for the role is included below ... engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative ...

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All JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Autonomous Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.2K

$131.2K

$172.2K

How much do autonomous systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,900.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,153 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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. 

Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely across several segment owners of engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing.  
What you'll do:
  • Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviews 
  • Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipment 
  • Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports 
  • Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions 
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilities 
  • Lead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, go/no-go decisions, and test setup and logistics  
  • Document test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations in clear technical reports 
  • Support aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readiness 
  • Create and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and operational efficiency 
  • Create and maintain ground and air operating limitations requirements  
  • Travel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as required 
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree) 
  • 5-10 years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering 
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, avionics, telemetry, sensors, or control systems  
  • Proven ability to write and execute structured test plans, procedures, and reports 
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in field and/or lab environments 
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work across engineering and operations teams 
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 80% for candidates not based in the Wichita Metro Area, including travel to test sites, ranges, and other field locations
  • Overtime and weekend coverage as required 
Preferred qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering 
  • Experience in Group 4-5 UAS and/or fighter type capability or similar weapons systems 
  • Familiarity with FAA, DoW, and test range flight operations 
  • Experience with autonomy, navigation, mission planning, and Command-and-Control (C2) systems 
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, avionics integration, payload integration, and ground support equipment  
  • Experience with telemetry systems, flight and data logs, sensor data, datalinks, and RF systems 
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience 
  • Proven Mission Control Room experience using Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or similar development FTI display system  
  • Experience leading or supporting developmental flight test campaigns from design through planning and execution to include reporting 
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is practical, detail-oriented engineer who is comfortable in control rooms, hangar/maintenance areas, and office type environments. You can write a detailed test plan, troubleshoot hardware and software at a test site, analyze flight data, and communicate clearly under operational pressure. You are safety-minded, have high technical acumen, and motivated by building and validating advanced and complex aircraft systems 
 
#LI-AA1
#LD

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.