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Autonomous Vehicle Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Android Development Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

You'll join a tight-knit cross-functional team that spans UI/UX, autonomy, networking, and vehicle software. The work you do will directly shape how soldiers interact with Forterra's cutting-edge ...

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:

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:

... autonomy, ACV is the right place for you! Competitive compensation packages and learning and ... Prepare and submit a report of vehicle condition, repair/replacement cost estimates, and related ...

... autonomy, ACV is the right place for you! Competitive compensation packages and learning and ... Prepare and submit a report of vehicle condition, repair/replacement cost estimates, and related ...

... autonomy, ACV is the right place for you! Competitive compensation packages and learning and ... Prepare and submit a report of vehicle condition, repair/replacement cost estimates, and related ...

... autonomy, ACV is the right place for you! Competitive compensation packages and learning and ... Prepare and submit a report of vehicle condition, repair/replacement cost estimates, and related ...

About the Company At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has ...

Responsibilities : • Program Technical Leadership • + Coordinate the software development lifecycle for integrated vehicle systems, ensuring robust, reliable autonomy and seamless subsystem ...

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a ...

At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a ...

Senior Controller

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$201 - $242/hr

About The Company At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has ...

About the Company At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has ...

About the Company At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has ...

About the role The Emerging Technologies team at Forterra develops mission specific, autonomous ground vehicle platforms spanning both the military and commercial vehicle applications. Our systems ...

ITS Project Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

... autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies. Ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of ITS and traffic engineering experience, including experience on VDOT, MDOT, and/or design-build projects.

Showing results 41-60

Autonomous Vehicle information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$23

$30

How much do autonomous vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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 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 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 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Autonomous Vehicle jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Autonomous Vehicle job openings:

Infographic showing various Autonomous Vehicle job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,298 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Metron, Inc

Reston, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About Metron
Metron is an employee-owned company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for the most challenging national security problems. For over 40 years, our principled approach to problem-solving has yielded creative solutions at the intersection of advanced mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering. Our people are leaders in their technical fields and are passionate about solving challenging problems. We look for individuals who share this same passion and can apply their experience in real-world settings.
Our team is seeking an accomplished technical leader to serve as the Chief Engineer for Autonomous Maritime Systems. The Chief Engineer provides senior-level technical authority for the design, development, production, deployment, and sustainment of advanced autonomous undersea vehicles and uncrewed maritime platforms. The ideal candidate has extensive experience taking complex maritime autonomous systems from early concept and prototype development through production transition and operational deployment.
This role requires broad technical depth across autonomy software, naval architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, power and energy systems, marine robotics, navigation and sensing, acoustic communications, cyber-resilient architectures, and systems engineering. The Chief Engineer will guide technical strategy, lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams, drive rigorous design and verification practices, and ensure that Metron's engineering solutions meet demanding operational, environmental, and safety requirements for maritime missions.
Responsibilities
  • Lead end-to-end engineering activities including concept development, requirements specification, detailed design, integration, test, verification, validation, production transition, sustainment, and obsolescence management.
  • Ensure complex maritime systems mature from prototype to production-ready platforms, including manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, quality assurance, maintainability, and alignment with Navy certification and safety standards.
  • Direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams spanning autonomous system software, mechanical and electrical engineering, hydrodynamics, buoyancy and stability, acoustic and RF communications, energy systems, payload integration, and maritime control systems.
  • Drive systems engineering rigor, including definition of performance objectives, requirements management, MBSE practices, baseline management, and architecture trade studies.
  • Collaborate with government customers, and industry partners to ensure solutions meet mission needs and evolving operational concepts.
  • Support customer engagements and business development activities by articulating technical solutions, shaping conceptual designs, and contributing to competitive proposals and white papers.
  • Lead investigation and resolution of high-priority technical issues on mission-critical programs.
  • Mentor engineering staff, develop emerging technical leaders, and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and strong engineering discipline.

Required Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, naval architecture, or a related field.
  • At least 8 years of leadership experience developing and delivering undersea military systems.
  • Demonstrated experience developing autonomous maritime or undersea systems and driving them through prototyping, field testing, and production transition.
  • Experience managing technical risks and resolving critical issues in high-visibility programs.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.
  • SHIP REQUIRED; Successful candidates will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Desired Qualifications and Skills
  • Systems architect experience with broad cross-disciplinary engineering knowledge (systems, mechanical, electrical, software, cyber security).
  • Experience designing, integrating, and testing underwater vehicles including hydrodynamics, buoyancy/stability, hull structures, propulsion and control, energy systems, and payloads.
  • Expertise in underwater autonomy, navigation systems, sonar, batteries, and acoustic/RF/optical communications.
  • Experience analyzing data from autonomous undersea systems including motion, navigation, communications, acoustic sensors, and AI/ML methods for performance evaluation.
  • Demonstrated experience executing the full engineering lifecycle for complex military systems from concept through sustainment.
  • Proven ability to engage and influence customers, assess requirements, and adapt technical solutions to evolving needs.
  • Experience developing technology roadmaps and guiding IRAD investments.
  • Successful track record contributing to competitive proposals for engineering development and manufacturing programs.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience leading large, distributed, multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Familiarity with Navy safety requirements, safety review boards, and operational procedures for autonomous undersea systems.
  • Experience with open maritime autonomy architectures such as UMAA or MOSA, and model-based system engineering (MBSE), configuration, and requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS and CAMEO).

Position Location: Reston, VA
*The selected individual must be able to report to the Reston, VA office up to 5 days a week, and must be able to fulfill work travel requirements.
Perks and Benefits
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Accompanying FSA and HSA options
  • Additional Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • 9 Observed Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development Reimbursement
  • Annual Salary Reviews
  • Profit Sharing
  • 401(k) Traditional and Roth Options
  • Gym and Fitness Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Metron is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor