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Autopilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Work extensively with Microsoft technologies including Intune, SCCM, Active Directory, Entra ID, Defender for Endpoint, and Autopilot. * Develop and maintain PowerShell scripts to automate endpoint ...

New

The pay for this position starts at $18.50 / hour This position is located at The Dulles Airport (IAD)- 23430 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166 We offer: * Paid time off * Consistent full time 40 hour ...

GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Working knowledge of PX4 or comparable autopilot technology * Experience programming robotic applications in ROS/ROS2 * Understanding of Kalman filtering and other state estimation algorithms

Showing results 41-60

Autopilot information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$50.4K

$58.5K

How much do autopilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopilot in Virginia is $50,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autopilot?

An Autopilot job typically involves developing, testing, or maintaining autonomous navigation systems, often for vehicles like cars, drones, or aircraft. Professionals in this role work with sensors, machine learning, and control systems to enhance automation and safety. Depending on the industry, responsibilities may include software development, data analysis, or hardware integration to improve self-driving capabilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the autopilot position?

To excel as an Autopilot Engineer, you typically need a strong background in electrical engineering, computer science, or robotics, along with experience in autonomous systems. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ROS (Robot Operating System), and C++ programming, as well as certifications in aviation or automotive safety standards, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help professionals perform well in dynamic technical teams. These skills are essential because they ensure the reliability and advancement of autopilot systems used in automotive, aerospace, or maritime industries.

What are some typical challenges faced by autopilot engineers, and how are they addressed in the workplace?

Autopilot Engineers often tackle complex challenges such as integrating new sensors, ensuring system reliability in unpredictable environments, and meeting rigorous safety standards. These issues are typically addressed through cross-functional teamwork, continuous simulation and testing, and implementing regular code and system reviews. The work environment is highly collaborative, with frequent interaction between hardware, software, and safety teams. Organizations often support engineers with ongoing training and access to the latest development tools, fostering an atmosphere of innovation and continuous improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Autopilot jobs in Virginia?

For Autopilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autopilot jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopilot jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Autopilot jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Autopilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Autopilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,397 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

Ventus Solutions

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description
Ventus Executive Solutions is a dynamic small business at the forefront of innovation and consulting. We believe our employees' success is integral to our mission, which is why we prioritize work-life balance, personal development, and fostering a sense of belonging. In addition to providing opportunities to thrive, we offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain top talent ready to make a meaningful impact. As part of the Ventus Solutions team, you'll collaborate with government and industry leaders to develop constructive architecture models that inform decision-making at the highest levels of the Department of Defense. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) we value curiosity, collaboration, and excellence, and we're committed to supporting your professional growth through mentorship, career development, and a culture of continuous learning. Join a team where your ideas matter, your expertise drives impact, and your work advances the mission.
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments to the Government Program Manager while supporting the development and execution of advanced aerospace technology initiatives. Responsibilities include evaluating technical progress across multiple performers, leading technical interchange meetings and design reviews, supporting experimentation and test activities, developing technical documentation and program briefings, and assisting with transition planning to military Services and Combatant Commands. You will possess extensive experience in GNC systems, flight control, navigation, autopilot technologies, or related aerospace vehicle subsystems and have demonstrated success leading complex technical development efforts within defense research, development, and acquisition environments. Join our innovative team and contribute to impactful national security initiatives.
Work Location: Onsite: Arlington, VA
Travel: Up to 25% local and domestic
Clearance: Active Secret required, TS/SCI preferred
Required Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Minimum 12 years of professional engineering or scientific experience.
  • 5+ years of experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems for aerospace vehicles.
  • Experience supporting a Department of War (DoW) research and development organization (DARPA, SCO, AFRL, JHTO, etc.), acquisition organization, or as a performer supporting such organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts.
  • Experience supporting technical reviews, technical interchange meetings, experimentation activities, and test programs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Experience:
  • Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms.
  • Familiarity with Department of Defense programming, requirements development, science and technology initiatives, and acquisition processes.
  • Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns.
  • Experience supporting transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other government stakeholders.

The expected salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,00. This range represents a good-faith estimate and is not a guarantee; final compensation is determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, and government contract labor rate requirements and may fall outside the stated range. In addition to base pay, Ventus offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare benefits (medical, dental, and vision), ESOP participation, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.
Ventus Executive Solutions provides our government and commercial clients with a range of professional and innovation services including: technology innovation acceleration, business consulting services, professional engineering and program oversight, and program and budget support. We support analysis and studies in a variety of areas including defense, energy and health care where we aid organizations in solving complex problems in new and innovative ways. We work with our clients to identify core issues and then put together a cost-effective world-class team to solve problems and enable our clients to create and seize opportunities.
Ventus Executive Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
To find out more about Ventus, visit our website: www.ventus-solutions.com