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Car Key Programmer Jobs in Sterling, VA (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R4614)

Washington, DC · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and ... car, etc.) * 7+ years of delivering software into production/certifiable environments with high ...

ColonialWebb

Sales Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$150K/yr

Car allowance and gas card * OTE (base + commission + vehicle allowance/perks) of $150k+ for your ... Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and subcontractors to ensure competitive ...

Capital One

Distinguished Engineer

Mclean, VA

Distinguished Engineer As a Distinguished Engineer at Capital One, you will be a part of a ... Key responsibilities: * Articulate and evangelize a bold technical vision for your domain

MRINetwork Jobs

Sr Mechanical Engineer - MEP

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Key Responsibilities: * Perform calculations and analysis to support design decisions and ensure ... Comprehensive family healthcare * Car allowance * Relocation Assistance Contact Us: If you meet the ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Sr Mechanical Engineer - MEP

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Key Responsibilities: * Perform calculations and analysis to support design decisions and ensure ... Comprehensive family healthcare * Car allowance * Relocation Assistance Contact Us: If you meet the ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Sr Mechanical Engineer - MEP

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Key Responsibilities: * Perform calculations and analysis to support design decisions and ensure ... Comprehensive family healthcare * Car allowance * Relocation Assistance Contact Us: If you meet the ...

Motorola

Project Sales Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Your contributions in this key position ensure success with our customers in a shared mission to ... car, body camera, fixed video) * Additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

STR

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Our team consists of passionate and motivated engineers with advanced degrees in engineering ... training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business ...

STR

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Our team consists of passionate and motivated engineers with advanced degrees in engineering ... training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business ...

STR

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Our team consists of passionate and motivated engineers with advanced degrees in engineering ... training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business ...

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All JobsCar Key Programmer JobsCar Key Programmer Jobs in Sterling, VA

Car Key Programmer information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$11

$39

$68

How much do car key programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for car key programmer in Sterling, VA is $39.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by car key programmers in the field?

Car Key Programmers often encounter challenges such as dealing with a wide variety of vehicle makes and models, each with differing security protocols and key programming requirements. Staying updated with the latest technology and software tools is essential, as newer vehicles often introduce advanced security systems. Additionally, working in environments like roadside assistance or automotive shops can require quick problem-solving and adaptability, especially when customers are locked out or need urgent help. Collaboration with locksmiths, mechanics, and dealership staff is also common, making strong communication skills valuable in this role.

What is a car key programmer?

Car key programmers are professionals who specialize in programming, duplicating, and reprogramming car keys and key fobs for vehicles. They use specialized tools and software to sync new keys or remotes with a vehicle’s immobilizer system, ensuring that only authorized keys can start the car. Car key programmers are often called upon when someone loses their keys, needs a spare, or encounters issues with their existing car keys or remotes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car key programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Car Key Programmer, you need a solid understanding of automotive electrical systems, key programming procedures, and diagnostic techniques, often supported by vocational training or certification in automotive locksmithing. Proficiency with key programming devices, diagnostic scan tools, and specialized software is essential for the role. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with customers help set top professionals apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately resolving key and immobilizer issues, ensuring vehicle security, and delivering excellent customer service.
What are popular job titles related to Car Key Programmer jobs in Sterling, VA? For Car Key Programmer jobs in Sterling, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Car Key Programmer jobs? Cities near Sterling, VA with the most Car Key Programmer job openings:
Car Key Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Car Key Programmer job openings in Sterling, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,441 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R4614)

Shield AI

Washington, DC • On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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. 

The Chief Engineer at Shield AI is responsible for solving complex technical challenges in deploying advanced autonomy solutions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
 
As the chief authority on system architecture, design, development, risk mitigation, and product quality the Chief Engineer ensures the successful integration of Hivemind Autonomy across a range of aircraft, from small UAS to large autonomous collaborative platforms.
 
This role is part of the Hivemind Solutions organization and leads a team of engineers to deliver cutting-edge autonomous capabilities for business-to-business and defense contracts. The ideal candidate has defense industry experience as a Chief Engineer and a proven track record of leading technical teams to develop and deploy autonomous systems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Serve as the Chief Engineer on Shield AI projects focused on developing and deploying autonomy solutions for unmanned aircraft
  • Lead a team responsible for advancing Hivemind Autonomy and shaping Department of Defense (DoD) autonomy architectures.
  • Define and assign technical objectives, make key engineering decisions, and ensure the quality and completeness of all technical deliverables
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight across both Internal Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and DoD contracts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree
  • 10+ years of industry experience in autonomy and/or UAS platforms (e.g., defense tech, self-driving car, etc.)
  • 7+ years of delivering software into production/certifiable environments with high-reliability
  • Understanding of guidance, control and navigation (GNC) (e.g. controls, estimation, planning)
  • Understanding of robotics stack (e.g., controls, estimation, perception, planning, etc.)
  • Understanding of software development processes and how to effectively deploy software
  • Experience defining technical scope and managing technical requirements, product architectures, ICDs and other system level design documentation
  • Demonstrate problem solving skills by applying a scientific technical approach
  • Customer-facing engineering leader supporting both defense and internally funded development programs
  • Contribute to government contract proposal writing
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Excellent leadership skills, driving a team of 6-20 engineers
$200,319 - $300,479 a year
#LI-DM1
#LE
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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