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Autonomy Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Dayton, OH · On-site

$205K - $307K/yr

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 ...

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Dayton, OH · On-site

$205K - $307K/yr

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 ...

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Dayton, OH

$205K - $307K/yr

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 ...

Quantum-Systems GmbH

$162 - $243/hr

As the Head of Autonomy - Land Domain, you will shape the next generation of autonomous ground systems by bringing state-of-the-art AI and robotics research into production. You will define the ...

Posted today

STR

Autonomy Algorithms Senior Software Engineer

Dayton, OH · 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 Senior Software Engineer

Dayton, OH · 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 Senior Software Engineer

Dayton, OH · 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutonomy JobsAutonomy Jobs in Ohio

Autonomy information

See Ohio salary details

$44.3K

$151.8K

$265.6K

How much do autonomy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomy in Ohio is $151,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,323.00 and $196,079.00 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 Ohio? For Autonomy jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomy jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomy jobs in Ohio are:
Autonomy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomy job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $151,842 per year, or $73 per hour.

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Shield AI

Dayton, OH • On-site

$205K - $307K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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.
Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer of Autonomy to lead the technical execution of autonomy capabilities supporting one of the most important military aviation initiatives of our generation.
As the senior technical leader for Shield AI's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) autonomy efforts, you will help define how autonomous aircraft operate alongside crewed fighters in contested environments, enabling a new era of air superiority through trusted, scalable autonomy.
This role carries end-to-end responsibility for technical vision, architecture, execution, flight test, operational integration, and customer success. You will work across engineering, product, flight operations, programs, and government stakeholders to transition autonomy from development to operational capability at scale.
This is not a research position. This is a position focused on delivering mission-ready autonomy systems that perform in real-world operational environments.
What You'll Do:
  • Serve as the senior technical authority for Shield AI's CCA autonomy efforts, accountable for technical strategy, architecture, execution, customer engagement, and mission effectiveness.

  • Lead the development, integration, and deployment of operational autonomy capabilities from concept through flight test, operational evaluation, and fielding.

  • Define and evolve autonomy architectures spanning mission planning, perception, decision-making, collaborative behaviors, human-machine teaming, and platform integration.

  • Drive engineering rigor and technical governance across the program, ensuring sound architectural decisions, disciplined execution, and mission-focused outcomes.

  • Partner closely with program leadership to balance risk, schedule, operational requirements, and customer priorities.

  • Lead technical readiness for major demonstrations, flight tests, program milestones, operational assessments, and customer engagements.

  • Direct verification, validation, and operational integration efforts required to establish trust, performance, safety, and mission effectiveness.

  • Build and mentor a world-class technical organization consisting of chief engineers, architects, principal engineers, autonomy developers, and mission domain experts.

  • Help shape the future of autonomous air combat by influencing requirements, concepts of operation, technical roadmaps, and next-generation autonomy capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
  • 15+ years of engineering experience developing complex aerospace, defense, autonomy, weapons, or mission-critical systems.

  • Experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Chief Architect, Technical Fellow, Technical Program Manager, or equivalent technical leadership role.

  • Demonstrated success leading large multidisciplinary engineering teams through development, integration, test, and deployment of operational systems.

  • Proven ability to lead across software, systems, AI/ML, simulation, mission systems, flight test, and operational stakeholders.

  • Experience delivering major defense products with significant technical complexity and customer visibility.

  • Experience working directly with Air Force, Navy, Operational Users, Program Executive Offices, or major defense acquisition programs.

  • Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence government, military, and industry leaders.

  • Experience operating effectively in rapidly evolving, high-consequence environments.

  • Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), advanced aviation autonomy programs, or related initiatives.

  • Experience with crewed-uncrewed teaming, mission autonomy, autonomous mission systems, air combat autonomy, or collaborative autonomous systems.

  • Background in military aviation, advanced aerospace systems, weapons systems, mission systems integration, or combat aircraft development.

$205,000 - $307,000 a year
#LI-ED
#LF
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.
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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