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Autonomy Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

STR

Autonomy Algorithms Senior Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration ...

STR

Autonomy Algorithms Lead Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$173K - $216K/yr

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration ...

STR

Autonomy Algorithms Lead Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site +1

$173K - $216K/yr

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration ...

STR

Autonomy Algorithms Senior Software Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $184K/yr

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration ...

STR

Autonomy Algorithms Lead Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$173K - $216K/yr

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration ...

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All JobsAutonomy JobsAutonomy Jobs in Massachusetts

Autonomy information

See Massachusetts salary details

$52K

$178.2K

$311.6K

How much do autonomy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomy in Massachusetts is $178,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,124.00 and $230,110.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in autonomy?

Professionals in the autonomy field often encounter challenges related to integrating complex hardware and software systems, ensuring safety and reliability, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams—such as robotics, AI, and systems engineering—is essential to address these challenges effectively. Additionally, testing autonomous solutions in real-world environments to handle unpredictable scenarios is a critical part of the role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an autonomous systems engineer?

To thrive as an Autonomous Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in robotics, computer science, and control systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Python or C++), simulation tools (like ROS or Gazebo), and experience with AI or machine learning frameworks are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for designing, developing, and improving autonomous technologies that function reliably in complex, real-world environments.

What is the difference between Autonomy vs Project Manager?

AspectAutonomyProject Manager
Required credentialsTypically none; skills in decision-making and independenceProject management certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experience
Work environmentIndependent, self-directed roles, often in consulting or freelance workTeam-based, coordinating projects within organizations
Employer and industry usageUsed across various industries for roles emphasizing independenceCommon in construction, IT, marketing, and corporate sectors

Autonomy refers to the degree of independence in decision-making and work execution, often in roles that require self-direction. Project Managers focus on planning, executing, and closing projects within organizations, often working within structured teams. While Autonomy emphasizes independence, Project Managers operate within defined project scopes and organizational frameworks.

What is an autonomy engineer?

Autonomy engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain autonomous systems, such as self-driving vehicles, drones, or robotics. Their work focuses on enabling machines to perform tasks without constant human intervention by integrating sensors, control algorithms, and artificial intelligence. Autonomy engineers often collaborate with software developers, hardware engineers, and data scientists to ensure the safe and efficient operation of autonomous technologies. Their expertise is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and robotics, where automation and intelligent systems are rapidly advancing.
What are popular job titles related to Autonomy jobs in Massachusetts? For Autonomy jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomy jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomy jobs in Massachusetts are:
Autonomy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomy job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $178,196 per year, or $85.7 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy Behaviors (R4588)

Shield AI

Boston, MA • On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 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. 

About The Team

The Autonomy Capabilities team at Shield AI has assembled a diverse team of experts in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to create software solutions that greatly evolve the capabilities of our customers. The team is responsible for developing autonomous behaviors within Shield AI's industry-leading mission autonomy software stack and deploying them across a breadth of platforms, including the Anduril Fury, Northrup Grumman Talon, Shield AI V-Bat, and other first and third-party autonomous vehicles. We work in close coordination with specialist teams in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.

About the Job:
As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll build and own autonomy behaviors that directly power our products, taking responsibility for key components from design through deployment. You'll work across teams to turn complex mission needs into reliable, scalable software, balancing near-term delivery with long-term maintainability and performance. In this role, you'll play a critical part in shaping how autonomy capabilities are designed, integrated, and evolved across our platforms.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop tactical autonomy software to enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains with limited human supervision
  • Implement and test behaviors supporting multi-agent coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
  • Contribute across the software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, verification, and validation, following established engineering best practices
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to design and build scalable, maintainable software components that integrate with broader system architecture (e.g., sensor processing, state estimation, communications, and actuation)
  • Support reuse and extensibility of autonomy behaviors by contributing to shared frameworks and codebases
  • Work with internal product and program teams to deliver capabilities to vehicle platforms, helping ensure successful integration and iteration over time
  • Collaborate with cross-functional and external teams to align on interfaces and system requirements
  • Apply strong software engineering fundamentals to solve complex technical problems, while continuing to grow domain expertise in autonomy and robotics systems
  • Travel up to 20% to support integration, testing, and collaboration with end-users and partner teams
Required Qualifications:
  • BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • Proficient in production-level C++ software development
  • 5+ years' experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
  • Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
  • Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
  • Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
  • Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with systems at one or more technology readiness levels (TRLs), including supporting the maturation of research concepts toward operational use
  • Experience with mission systems integration, including participation in integration events, testing, or demonstrations
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Collaborative mission planning, behavior planning, or coordinated teaming
  • Motion planning across different vehicle types or constraints
  • Sensor/target pairing, control strategies, or related autonomy functions
  • Safety systems such as collision avoidance or geofencing
  • Experience with robotic software ecosystems (e.g., ROS, OMPL, optimization tools)
  • Experience with simulation tools for testing and validation
  • Familiarity with navigation and communications systems
  • Experience contributing to portions of the product development lifecycle
  • Familiarity with systems engineering principles
  • Familiarity with high-assurance software practices (e.g., DO-178C or similar standards)
$160,000 - $240,000 a year
#LC
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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.
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