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Autonomous Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Metron

Chief Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Metron

Autonomous Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

They are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to design and develop algorithms, simulations, and visualization tools for autonomous robotics, engaging in the full software process and leading ...

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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 Jul 26, 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, and why are they important?

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 jobs have autonomy?

Jobs with high autonomy include roles such as remote software developers, freelance writers, and project managers, where individuals often set their own schedules and work independently. These positions typically require strong self-discipline, communication skills, and sometimes specific certifications or tools to manage tasks effectively.

What are autonomous jobs?

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.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

Autonomous jobs that can pay $2,000 a week from home typically involve high-demand skills such as software development, digital marketing, consulting, or specialized freelance work. Achieving this income level often requires building a strong client base, gaining relevant certifications, and working full-time hours or managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Jobs that require complex human interaction, creativity, and critical thinking, such as healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, and creative roles like designers or writers, are more likely to persist despite AI advancements. These roles often involve emotional intelligence, hands-on skills, or nuanced judgment that AI cannot easily replicate.

What does autonomous job mean?

An autonomous job refers to a role where employees have a high degree of independence in their work, often involving self-management and decision-making. Such positions may require skills in time management, problem-solving, and familiarity with relevant tools or technologies, and they can be found in various industries including technology, manufacturing, and services.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,645 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Principal Autonomous Navigation Engineer

Principal Autonomous Navigation Engineer

Blue Origin

Reston, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Lead the Next Generation of Deep Space Navigation

Blue Origin's Blue National Security business unit is extending humanity's reach beyond Earth orbit. Blue Ring, our multi-mission space vehicle, is designed to operate across cislunar, heliocentric, and interplanetary regimes - includingmissions around the Moon andMars that will serve as critical infrastructure for humanity's expansion into deep space. These missions demand navigation solutions that go far beyond traditional ground-in-the-loop paradigms, operating with increasing autonomy across multiple dynamically complex environments.

As a Principal Autonomous Navigation Engineer on the Astrodynamics and Trajectory eXecution (ATX) team, you will serve as the technical authority for developing autonomous onboard navigation capabilities that will define future deep space missions. While our vision is fully autonomous deep space navigation, near-term missions will rely on robust ground-based orbit determination. This role also requires subject matter expertise in ground-based statistical orbit determination using radiometric measurements, which you will apply to operational missions while simultaneously leading the development of autonomous navigation systems for the future. You will integrate optical and radiometric techniques into a coherent autonomous navigation architecture spanning ground and spacecraft, driving design from concept through flight and shaping the algorithms, software, and operational processes that define Blue Origin's deep space navigation philosophy.

This is a must-have position for our lunar and Mars mission portfolio. You will set technical direction, mentor a growing team of navigation engineers, and directly enable mission success across Blue Origin's most ambitious deep space programs.

Your Impact:

  • Shape the Autonomous Navigation Architecture: Define the end-to-end architecture for onboard autonomous orbit determination, integrating optical and radiometric measurement sources into a coherent, flight-ready navigation system for cislunar and interplanetary missions.

  • Lead Deep Space Autonomous Navigation Development: Own the development and integration of optical and radiometric measurement processing into onboard algorithms for cislunar and interplanetary missions. Drive the technical roadmap from concept through flight implementation, defining the path toward fully autonomous deep space navigation.

  • Roadmap the Path to Full Autonomy: Define the long-range strategy for onboard navigation capability maturation - particularly for deep space regimes with limited ground contact - and drive its implementation across the Blue Ring fleet.

  • Support Ground Navigation Operations: Contribute to live ground-based orbit determination alongside the ATX team when operational missions require hands-on navigation support.

  • Execute Ground-Based Navigation Processing: Apply your subject matter expertise in statistical orbit determination using radiometric and optical measurements to deliver navigation solutions for early lunar and Mars missions as Blue Origin's autonomous capabilities mature.

  • CollaborateAcrossDisciplines: Interface with GNC, avionics, flight software, systems engineering, and flight operations teams to ensure onboard navigation algorithms are properly integrated, supported by flight hardware,andvalidatedend-to-end.

  • Mentor and Lead: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to navigation engineers; establish best practices for algorithm development, testing, and verification.

  • Deliver Excellence: Present results and support critical design reviews using Agile development methodologies.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.

  • 10+ years of proven experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, or related astrodynamics disciplines.

  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing orbit determination algorithms.

  • Experience with optical navigation techniques (e.g., camera calibration,optical centroiding,terrain-relative navigation, star-based navigation, landmark tracking).

  • Strong fundamentals in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, and estimation theory.

  • Applied experience in navigation tools such as Monte, STK/ODTK, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.

  • Experience in at least one of the following: Python, Julia, or C++.

  • Demonstrated ability to define navigation requirements.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.

  • Experience with cislunar or interplanetary mission navigation.

  • Experience with radiometric navigation techniques (Doppler, ranging, VLBI, or similar).

  • Experience developing or deploying autonomous/onboard navigation systems in flight.

  • Experience with optical navigation in deep spaceapproach andproximity operations.

  • Experience with GNC algorithm development and flight software integration.

  • Experience withmaneuver planning & execution

  • Experience withrendezvous& proximity operations

  • Experience leading a navigation team through design, development, and operational deployment.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the mission design lifecycle from conceptualization through operational flight.

  • Experience with DevOps processes including configuration control, continuous integration/deployment, Agile methodologies, and code review.

  • Previousexperience with software development tooling such as Jira, git, Jenkins, Docker, and at least one IDE.

  • Willingness or ability toacquireActive Top Secret (TS) / Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance with Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) with polygraph preferred.


Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000

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