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Director Autonomous Driving Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Scout Space

Director of Engineering

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Scout Space is seeking a mission-driven Director of Engineering to lead the execution, growth, and ... Experience with space-based sensing systems, optical payloads, or autonomy/AI-driven systems is ...

Scout Space

Director of Engineering

Reston, VA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Scout Space is seeking a mission-driven Director of Engineering to lead the execution, growth, and ... Experience with space-based sensing systems, optical payloads, or autonomy/AI-driven systems is ...

Torc Robotics

Safety Data Analyst

Blacksburg, VA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our ... This team blends engineering, statistics, and large-scale data analysis to transform complex, multi ...

Forterra

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Chief Engineer will lead technical execution for defense autonomy programs, ensuring compliance ... direct collaboration with military end-users. Company : Forterra delivers autonomous mission ...

Forterra

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Chief Engineer to direct technical execution for complex defense autonomy programs within Emerging Technologies serving as the technical owner, Architect, and engineering lead. This ...

Doist

Senior Controller

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$201 - $242/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our ... Direct general ledger account reconciliation processes across the organization, ensuring data ...

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All JobsAutonomous Driving Engineer JobsDirector Autonomous Driving Engineer JobsDirector Autonomous Driving Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Director Autonomous Driving Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director autonomous driving engineer?

To thrive as a Director Autonomous Driving Engineer, you need deep expertise in robotics, computer vision, sensor fusion, and machine learning, typically supported by an advanced degree in engineering or computer science and significant industry experience. Familiarity with tools such as ROS, simulation platforms, automotive-grade software systems, and relevant safety certifications (like ISO 26262) is crucial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These abilities are vital for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering safe, reliable autonomous driving solutions.

What is the difference between Director Autonomous Driving Engineer vs Senior Autonomous Driving Engineer?

AspectDirector Autonomous Driving EngineerSenior Autonomous Driving Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees autonomous driving projects, manages teams, sets strategic goalsDesigns and develops autonomous driving systems, implements algorithms
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (Master's/PhD), extensive experience, leadership skillsRelevant engineering degree, several years of experience in autonomous systems
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D teams, cross-department collaborationHands-on engineering in labs or development teams
Industry UsageCommon in tech and automotive companies for strategic rolesCommon in engineering teams focused on system development

The main difference is that the Director Autonomous Driving Engineer focuses on leadership, strategy, and project oversight, while the Senior Autonomous Driving Engineer is primarily involved in technical development and implementation. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the director position emphasizes management and strategic planning within autonomous driving projects.

How does a director autonomous driving engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

As a Director of Autonomous Driving Engineering, you'll regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams such as hardware engineers, data scientists, product managers, safety and compliance experts, and user experience designers. Your role involves aligning the technical roadmap with business goals, ensuring seamless integration of software and hardware, and facilitating effective communication between departments. This collaborative approach is crucial for addressing complex challenges, maintaining project momentum, and ensuring the autonomous driving system meets safety, regulatory, and performance standards.

What does a director autonomous driving engineer do?

A Director Autonomous Driving Engineer leads and manages teams responsible for developing self-driving vehicle technologies. This role oversees the technical strategy, project execution, and integration of hardware and software for autonomous systems. Directors in this position collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and drive innovation to advance autonomous vehicle capabilities. They also mentor engineers, set technical standards, and work with stakeholders to align product goals with business objectives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Director Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Director Autonomous Driving Engineer job openings:

Director Autonomous Driving Engineer jobs near you

Director of Engineering

Scout Space

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Scout is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people who bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward. 

Scout Space is seeking a mission-driven Director of Engineering to lead the execution, growth, and technical direction of our engineering organization. This leader will be responsible for scaling a multidisciplinary team across hardware, software, and autonomy while delivering high-performance space-based sensing systems to government and commercial customers. The role sits at the intersection of technical excellence, operational execution, and team leadership, ensuring that Scout's payloads, flight software, and data products are delivered on time, meet mission requirements, and push the boundaries of on-orbit capability. 
Responsibilities 

  • Lead and scale a multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning optical, mechanical, electrical, firmware, flight software, autonomy, and mission systems engineering
  • Drive execution of complex space payload programs and architecture decisions from concept through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations 
  • Coordinate closely with the executive team on product, program management, and business development to align the engineering team and execution with customer needs, mission objectives, and company roadmap
  • Establish and enforce engineering processes, standards, and best practices to ensure high-quality, flight-ready systems
  • Build and mentor high-performing engineering teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement 
  • Support proposal efforts, including technical strategy, architecture definition, and programmatic inputs 

 Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
  • 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or related high-reliability engineering environments  
  • 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex hardware/software systems 
  • Demonstrated experience delivering space systems (payloads, spacecraft, or related subsystems) from concept to operations
  • Strong understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, including integration across hardware, software, and operations  
  • Experience with space-based sensing systems, optical payloads, or autonomy/AI-driven systems is highly preferred
  • Proven ability to manage technical risk, schedules, and cross-functional dependencies in fast-paced environments  
  • Experience working with U.S. Government customers and programs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
  • Experience scaling engineering teams in a startup or high-growth environment  
  • Background in space domain awareness (SDA), remote sensing, or on-orbit autonomy  
  • Familiarity with flight software architecture (e.g., modular frameworks, onboard autonomy systems) 
  • Experience with production and manufacturing of space hardware, including supply chain and vendor management  
  • Strong track record of leading teams through design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and flight qualification 
  • Experience supporting or leading capture/proposal efforts for government programs 

Benefits

  • Open Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401k Matching
  • Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
  • Wellness Stipend
  • Work From Home Stipend
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability plans
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We're Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $175,000-230,000.

 
 

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