ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

You will work closely with the autonomy system architects to synthesize the needs of the engineering, product, and safety teams to ensure our autonomous vehicles can operate safely and reliably in a ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

You will work closely with the autonomy system architects to synthesize the needs of the engineering, product, and safety teams to ensure our autonomous vehicles can operate safely and reliably in a ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

You will work closely with the autonomy system architects to synthesize the needs of the engineering, product, and safety teams to ensure our autonomous vehicles can operate safely and reliably in a ...

Comrise

Sensor Systems Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

You'll work closely with autonomy system architects to translate the needs of engineering, product, and safety teams into robust system requirements that enable safe and reliable vehicle operation in ...

Waymo

Systems Test Engineer, Sensing

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in ... fully autonomous operations, for both recurring software releases and new hardware prototypes

Kodiak

Autonomy Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$203K - $241K/yr

We are looking for an Autonomy Software Systems Engineer who can derive requirements from first ... critical autonomous behavior across both commercial and defense applications. An ideal candidate ...

WeRide.ai

Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA

$130K - $182K/yr

WRD) is a leading global commercial-stage company that develops autonomous driving technologies ... Conduct systems engineering analyses to accelerate system development and support business goals

WeRide.ai

Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

WRD) is a leading global commercial-stage company that develops autonomous driving technologies ... Conduct systems engineering analyses to accelerate system development and support business goals

WeRide.ai

Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

WRD) is a leading global commercial-stage company that develops autonomous driving technologies ... Conduct systems engineering analyses to accelerate system development and support business goals

Waymo

Systems Test Engineer, Sensing

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$196K - $242K/yr

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted ... Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsEntry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer JobsEntry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer information

What is the difference between Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer vs Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Autonomous Systems EngineerAutonomous Vehicle Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Robotics, Computer Science, or Electrical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, automotive industryAutomotive companies, tech firms, startups focused on autonomous vehicles
Employer & Industry UsageDeveloping autonomous systems for various applicationsDesigning software specifically for autonomous vehicle navigation and control

While both roles involve working with autonomous systems, the Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer focuses broadly on developing autonomous technologies across industries, whereas the Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer specializes in software development for self-driving cars. The former may work on sensors, algorithms, and system integration, while the latter concentrates on vehicle-specific software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer, you need a solid foundation in robotics, control systems, programming (such as Python or C++), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB, and version control systems (e.g., Git) is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable autonomous systems and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.

What is an Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer?

An Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and implements technologies that enable machines or systems to operate independently with minimal human intervention. These engineers often work on robotics, self-driving vehicles, drones, or industrial automation. As entry-level professionals, they typically assist senior engineers in building algorithms, integrating sensors, and troubleshooting hardware or software issues. They use skills in programming, systems engineering, and data analysis to help create and improve autonomous systems. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited experience looking to start a career in robotics and automation.

What types of projects and technologies do Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineers typically work on, and how is their work structured within a team?

As an Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer, you'll often contribute to projects involving robotics, self-driving vehicles, or drone technologies. Your daily work may include developing and testing algorithms for perception, localization, and control, often using tools like Python, ROS, and machine learning frameworks. You will typically collaborate closely with senior engineers, software developers, and hardware teams through agile sprints, code reviews, and regular team meetings. The environment is highly collaborative and problem-solving oriented, offering abundant opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and participate in multidisciplinary projects that can lead to rapid professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you

Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

Mach Industries

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Mach Industries
Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
The Role
Mach Industries is seeking a Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer to operate, test, and iterate on autonomous aerial platforms in real-world environments. This is not a traditional aviation or pilot role. Success in this position is defined by technical ownership, system learning, and rapid iteration-not flight hours or formal aviation credentials.
You will work hands-on with evolving prototype systems, frequently in the field, embedded with engineering teams to identify failures, validate fixes, and push systems toward operational readiness. This role sits at the boundary between engineering and operations and requires comfort with ambiguity, incomplete systems, and fast feedback loops. This role partners with Flight Test Engineers to translate test objectives and measures of performance into executable system behavior.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute flight and ground testing of developmental and production autonomous aerial systems in controlled and field environments.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering teams to plan and execute test activities, identify failures, and drive system improvements.
  • Diagnose and resolve system-level issues spanning hardware, software, communications, and autonomy during testing.
  • Configure, modify, and validate flight control software, autonomy behaviors, and system parameters in support of test objectives.
  • Assess system readiness through pre-flight, post-flight, and health checks, and determine go/no-go conditions for testing.
  • Collect, analyze, and communicate telemetry, logs, and performance data to inform rapid design iteration.
  • Integrate and evaluate new payloads, sensors, and system configurations.
  • Support frequent field testing and demonstration events, operating in austere environments with significant travel.
  • Develop and refine test procedures, safety practices, and operational documentation for experimental systems.
  • Close the loop between field testing and manufacturing by identifying build, assembly, and reliability issues and communicating actionable feedback to manufacturing engineers and technicians.

Required Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience working with open-source flight control systems such as PX4, Ardupilot, or similar architectures, including configuration and tuning.
  • Experience operating and evaluating prototype or non-certified autonomous systems in test or field environments.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve system-level issues spanning hardware, software, networking, and autonomy.
  • Familiarity with Linux-based systems, command-line tools, and log/telemetry analysis.
  • Strong ability to learn unfamiliar systems quickly through documentation, experimentation, and collaboration.
  • Willingness to support irregular schedules driven by test readiness, flight windows, and field constraints.
  • Willingness to travel more than 50% of the time.
  • Clear communication skills and disciplined attention to safety in experimental environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience working directly with engineers to validate fixes and implement rapid design changes in the field.
  • 2+ years of experience operating or testing autonomous systems in defense, robotics, or advanced commercial environments.
  • Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Background in robotics, autonomy, aerospace systems, or related technical disciplines.
  • Experience supporting field testing at ranges or remote test sites.
  • Experience providing test-driven feedback to manufacturing or production teams on prototype or early-production hardware.

Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you'd like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

Apply