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Autonomous Vehicle Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Forterra

Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $165/hr

Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior--how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact--and drive overall performance improvements. * Close the loop from test to deploy:

Forterra

Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior-how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact-and drive overall performance improvements. * Close the loop from test to deploy:

Forterra

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior--how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact--and drive overall performance improvements. * Close the loop from test to deploy:

Forterra

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Take a holistic view of autonomous vehicle behavior-how sensing, compute, controls, and other subsystems interact-and drive overall performance improvements. * Close the loop from test to deploy:

MAG Aerospace

$80 - $120/hr

Enhance or augment embedded software for autonomous vehicles (UGV, UAV, UUV, USV) to extend baseline capabilities * Implement sensor fusion for autonomous navigation (LIDAR, cameras, IMU, sonar)

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How much do autonomous vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous vehicle in Virginia is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autonomous vehicle?

Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars or driverless vehicles, are vehicles equipped with technology that allows them to navigate and operate without direct human input. These vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to perceive their surroundings and make driving decisions. The goal is to increase safety, reduce human error, and create more efficient transportation systems. Autonomous vehicles range from those with partial automation (such as advanced driver assistance systems) to fully autonomous models that do not require a human driver at all.

What are autonomous vehicle jobs?

Autonomous vehicle jobs include a variety of positions based on mechanical engineering and software integration for self-driving vehicles. Someone in this field may help build an assembly line, use robot systems to minimize the risk of human error in production, or help program the operations of a self-driving car. This frequently involves monitoring, engineering, or managing a control system within a vehicle as well as each sensor placed within the vehicle. Companies are continually testing new ideas and techniques to check them for viability—as such, autonomous vehicle jobs require flexibility and the ability to adapt to new technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous vehicle engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, computer vision, sensor integration, and software development, usually supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools and systems like ROS (Robot Operating System), machine learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), and automotive simulation platforms is essential, and certifications in safety standards like ISO 26262 are often valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and ensuring safety. Mastery of these skills ensures the reliable development, testing, and deployment of autonomous vehicle systems in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in autonomous vehicle development teams?

Professionals in autonomous vehicle development often encounter challenges such as integrating complex sensor data, ensuring reliable software performance in unpredictable environments, and adhering to strict safety standards. Collaboration is essential, as teams are typically multidisciplinary, involving software engineers, robotics experts, and data scientists working closely together. Additionally, staying updated with evolving regulations and rapidly changing technology demands a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.

What is the difference between Autonomous Vehicle vs Autonomous Vehicle Technician?

AspectAutonomous VehicleAutonomous Vehicle Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in AI, robotics, or automotive systemsTechnical certifications, hands-on training in vehicle systems and diagnostics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, automotive companies, testing facilitiesVehicle service centers, manufacturing plants, testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, tech companies, research institutionsAutomotive service providers, dealerships, testing agencies

Autonomous Vehicles are advanced systems that operate without human input, requiring expertise in AI and robotics. Autonomous Vehicle Technicians focus on maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing these vehicles, often working directly with the hardware and software components. While both roles are integral to autonomous vehicle development and deployment, they differ in their focus—one on system design and development, the other on hands-on technical support.

More about Autonomous Vehicle jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia?

For Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Autonomous Vehicle jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Autonomous Vehicle job openings:

Autonomous Vehicle jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,298 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) - Clearance Required with Security Clearance

Cydecor

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$98K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Cydecor is a premier Federal Government solutions provider, delivering differentiated innovations in mission systems and business platforms. We leverage leading-edge secure systems and software development, backed by industry-leading subject matter expertise, and business intelligence to enable decision-support and remain ahead of ever-evolving national security challenges. Our success rests squarely on three bedrock principles: People, our center of gravity; Mission, what inspires us; and an unyielding commitment to Excellence, what separates us. Job Description: Cydecor is seeking a Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) to support the development, integration, and testing of autonomous unmanned systems. This position focuses on software development for autonomous navigation, mission planning, communications, and ground control applications supporting UxS platforms. The selected candidate will work in an Agile development environment, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot software supporting autonomous vehicle operations. Responsibilities include: * Design, develop, test, and maintain software supporting autonomous unmanned systems. * Develop software using C, C++, and object-oriented programming methodologies. * Support Agile software development activities, including sprint planning, development, testing, and integration. * Develop and enhance autonomous navigation and path-planning capabilities, including waypoint navigation, geofencing, dynamic routing, obstacle avoidance, and collision detection. * Integrate software with flight control platforms including BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4. * Support development and integration of ground control software for mission planning, execution, and system monitoring. * Develop user interfaces using the Qt/QML framework. * Implement Python scripts supporting automation, data analysis, and software prototyping. * Integrate sensor data from GPS, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR, and other onboard systems to improve navigation accuracy and situational awareness. * Support software communications utilizing MAVLink and TCP/IP networking protocols. * Troubleshoot software defects, communication issues, and integration challenges across hardware and software components. * Analyze and reverse engineer existing code to identify and resolve software issues. * Build, compile, and maintain software from source code repositories. * Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and program stakeholders to support successful software integration and fielding activities. Here's what you need: * Active or Interim Secret with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI eligibility. * Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline. * Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on professional software development experience with a degree, or seven (7) years of applicable professional experience without a degree. * Proficiency in C, C++, and object-oriented software development. * Experience developing software within an Agile development environment. * Experience with autonomous navigation and path-planning techniques. * Experience with BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4 flight control software. * Experience integrating sensor data including GPS, IMUs, cameras, and LiDAR. * Experience with QGroundControl or similar ground control software. * Experience developing applications using Qt/QML. * Proficiency with Python scripting. * Working knowledge of MAVLink communications protocols. * Understanding of TCP/IP networking concepts. * Experience troubleshooting software and network communication issues. * Experience parsing and reverse engineering software codebases. * Experience building software from source code repositories. Bonus Points If You Have: * Active TS/SCI Clearance. * Experience supporting DoD/DoW or autonomous systems programs. * Experience developing software for unmanned aerial, ground, or maritime systems. * Experience with CAD or engineering visualization software. * Experience supporting hardware/software integration and field testing. Security Clearance: * Active or Interim Secret; Active TS/SCI preferred. * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access. Education: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline. * 7 years of directly applicable experience may be substituted for a degree. Work Schedule: * Full-time, on-site. Compensation and Benefits: The projected compensation range for this position is $98,000-130,000. There are numerous factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the role, work location, education/certifications, and a contract's Labor Categories. Cydecor offers a comprehensive compensation package including Health and Dental Insurance, Vision and Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(K) + company match, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Company Holidays, Tuition and Professional Development Assistance and more. What We Believe We have an unwavering commitment to diversity with the aim that every one of our people has a full sense of belonging within our organization. As a business imperative, every person at Cydecor has the responsibility to create and sustain an inclusive environment. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Cydecor is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity & expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting or calling 703-884-2105. Tags: Software Engineer, Autonomous Systems Software Engineer, Autonomy Software Engineer, Autonomous Systems Engineer, Unmanned Systems Software Engineer, UxS Software Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Embedded Software Engineer, C++ Software Engineer, C++ Developer, C Software Engineer, Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer, Unmanned Vehicle Software Engineer, UAS Software Engineer, UAV Software Engineer, UAS Engineer, UAV Engineer, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, UAS, UAV, UxS, Unmanned Systems, Autonomous Systems, Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, Autonomy, Autonomous Navigation, Navigation Software, Path Planning, Mission Planning, Waypoint Navigation, Dynamic Routing, Geofencing, Obstacle Avoidance, Collision Detection, Flight Control, Flight Controller, Flight Control Software, BetaFlight, ArduPilot, PX4, PX4 Autopilot, Autopilot Software, Ground Control Software, Ground Control Station, GCS, QGroundControl, QGC, Mission Control Software, C, C++, Object-Oriented Programming, OOP, Qt, QML, Qt/QML, Python, Python Scripting, MAVLink, TCP/IP, Network Communications, Software Integration, Systems Integration, Hardware Software Integration, Sensor Integration, Sensor Fusion, GPS, GNSS, IMU, Inertial Measurement Unit, LiDAR, Camera Integration, Computer Vision, Situational Awareness, Agile Software Development, Agile, Software Testing, Integration Testing, Field Testing, Software Troubleshooting, Debugging, Reverse Engineering, Source Code, Git, Software Build, DoD, Department of Defense, Department of War, Defense Technology, Defense Software, National Security, Cleared Software Engineer, Cleared Engineer, Secret Clearance, Active Secret Clearance, Interim Secret Clearance, TS/SCI, Top Secret SCI, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, UAS, UxS, UAV, Drone Software, Robotics Software, C++, C, Python, Qt, QML, QGroundControl, PX4, ArduPilot, BetaFlight, MAVLink, Autonomous Navigation, Path Planning, Geofencing, Obstacle Avoidance, Sensor Fusion, LiDAR, GPS, IMU, Computer Vision, TCP/IP, Linux, Agile, Object-Oriented Programming, Embedded Systems, Flight Control Software, Mission Planning, Ground Control Station, Defense, DoD, DoW, Robotics, Aerospace, Secret Clearance, TS/SCI Eligible, National Security

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