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Autonomous Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Metron

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires broad technical depth across autonomy software, naval architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, power and energy systems, marine robotics, navigation and sensing ...

METRON

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires broad technical depth across autonomy software, naval architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, power and energy systems, marine robotics, navigation and sensing ...

Metron

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires broad technical depth across autonomy software, naval architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, power and energy systems, marine robotics, navigation and sensing ...

Metron, Inc

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires broad technical depth across autonomy software, naval architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, power and energy systems, marine robotics, navigation and sensing ...

TSMG

Autonomous vehicle Test Operator

Washington, DC

$20.75 - $25.50/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

Cmu

Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$113K - $144K/yr

Senior Autonomous Systems Research Scientist As AI-enabled autonomous systems get closer to widespread deployment, fundamental research questions remain around their development and use, especially ...

TSMG

Autonomous vehicle Test Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.75 - $25.50/hr

The Autonomous Vehicle Test Operator is responsible for operating and evaluating a self-driving vehicle in autonomous mode, including collecting data and providing feedback, and offering ride hail ...

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All JobsAutonomous JobsAutonomous Jobs in Washington

Autonomous information

See Washington salary details

$36.2K

$55.6K

$77K

How much do autonomous jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous in Washington is $55,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $62,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Autonomous Vehicle Engineer, you need solid expertise in robotics, computer vision, machine learning, and a background in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with programming languages like Python and C++, as well as experience with ROS (Robot Operating System) and simulation tools, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart. These abilities are crucial for developing safe, reliable autonomous systems that perform well in complex, real-world environments.

How does an autonomous systems engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Autonomous Systems Engineers work closely with software developers, hardware engineers, data scientists, and project managers to design, test, and deploy autonomous technologies. Collaboration often involves regular team meetings, sharing technical documentation, and joint problem-solving sessions to ensure seamless integration of system components. Engineers may also coordinate with testing teams to validate system performance and safety, making effective communication and teamwork essential skills in this role.

What is an autonomous job?

Autonomous jobs refer to roles or tasks that are performed independently, often with minimal supervision or direction. In the context of technology, autonomous jobs usually involve the use of artificial intelligence or robotics to carry out work without constant human intervention. These positions might include operating or overseeing autonomous vehicles, managing automated systems, or developing technologies that support automation. The goal is to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity by reducing the need for manual oversight. Careers in this field can span across industries such as transportation, manufacturing, logistics, and IT.

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous jobs in Washington?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Autonomous jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Autonomous jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Autonomous job openings:

Autonomous jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,645 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Autonomous Systems Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

Mclean, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.
The Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department works to enable effective and safe adoption of embodied AI solutions for the most critical challenges. Our technical team of experts, developers, and strategists are helping to realize the benefits autonomy will bring across various sectors including defense, healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement. We bring our unique and unbiased understanding of missions, the innovation landscape, and technology to focus in areas where industry is not incentivized or able to operate to bring insights and solutions to MITRE's sponsors and partners.
Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Maintain knowledge of advances of autonomy and robotics capabilities
  • Leverage technical expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance
  • Provide thought leadership centered around autonomy/AI technology adoption on robotics hardware and cloud-based computing environments
  • Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and provide guidance to sponsors based on their requirements
  • Work on topics in robotics-relevant fields, such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems
  • Build capabilities in one of more growth area for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
  • Help department and division execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications

Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of autonomy and AI experience; or an advanced degree with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of autonomy -related education and work experience
  • Hands-on experience with one or more of the following technical areas: computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, control theory, human-machine teaming, or multi-robot systems
  • Ability to clearly articulate autonomy-specific challenges (perception, reasoning, behaviors, collaboration), understand real-world application constraints, discuss critical issues, and identify capability gaps
  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art autonomy research and tools, including ROS 2 and Docker
  • Ability to work independently to learn new technologies, methods, processes, frameworks, platforms, and systems
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate challenging technical concepts to both lay and expert audiences
  • Experience executing autonomy-focused research initiatives
  • Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret clearance within 12 months from the date of hire
  • This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in related field such as Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.
  • Experience with software development in a production setting
  • Knowledge of advances of Autonomy and AI evaluation capabilities in industry and academia
  • Domain knowledge of swarming systems, red teaming, counter UxS, robotic test and evaluation, agentic AI, manufacturing robotics, and/or missile defense
  • Experience with configuring and writing software for open-source flight controllers (ArduPilot, PX4. Mission Planner, QGroundControl, etc)
  • Experience with rapid prototyping, including fabrication and electronics
  • Experience with field testing autonomous systems, particularly unmanned aerial systems
  • Knowledge and/or experience with edge computing, C-SWAP (compute, size, weight, and power) platforms, and/or surrogate or scaled platforms
  • Work and/or leadership of teams to implement and evaluate AI and Autonomy algorithms
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Secret
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$121,600 - $152,000 - $182,400 Annual
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.
Benefits information may be found here.
Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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