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Freelance Ai Robotics Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Molg

DevOps Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$52.25 - $71.50/hr

... Engineer ABOUT US Hey! We're Molg 👋 We're building robotic systems that make electronics ... Using robotics, computational design, and AI, our systems turn today's e-waste into resilient, data ...

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Freelance Ai Robotics Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$15

$49

$137

How much do freelance ai robotics engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance ai robotics engineer in Reston, VA is $49.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $64.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges freelance AI robotics engineers face when working with clients remotely?

As a Freelance AI Robotics Engineer, one common challenge is ensuring clear communication with clients, especially when discussing complex project requirements and technical constraints. Remote collaboration often requires detailed documentation, regular video meetings, and effective project management tools to keep all stakeholders aligned. Additionally, integrating AI algorithms with hardware components can be difficult without physical access to the client’s robotics platforms, so engineers must often rely on simulations or remote debugging. Successfully navigating these challenges helps build trust and leads to long-term client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance AI robotics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance AI Robotics Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, machine learning, programming (Python/C++), and typically a degree in engineering or computer science. Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System), simulation tools like Gazebo, and AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively with clients and deliver tailored solutions. These abilities are crucial for designing innovative, intelligent robotics systems that meet client needs in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

What does a freelance AI robotics engineer do?

A Freelance AI Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and implements artificial intelligence solutions within robotic systems on a contract or project basis. Their work often involves programming robots to perform tasks autonomously, integrating machine learning algorithms, and troubleshooting robotic hardware and software. They may collaborate with clients across various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics, to create custom robotic solutions tailored to specific needs. Working freelance allows them flexibility in choosing projects and clients, as well as the opportunity to work remotely or on-site as required.

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For Freelance Ai Robotics Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Freelance Ai Robotics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Ai Robotics Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,235 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Software Engineer II, Autonomy Behaviors (R5202)

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$131K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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. 

About The Team

The Autonomy Capabilities team at Shield AI has assembled a diverse team of experts in software, robotics, control systems, optimization, and data analysis to create software solutions that greatly evolve the capabilities of our customers. The team is responsible for developing autonomous behaviors within Shield AI's industry-leading mission autonomy software stack and deploying them across a breadth of platforms, including the Anduril Fury, Northrup Grumman Talon, Shield AI V-Bat, and other first and third-party autonomous vehicles. We work in close coordination with specialist teams in software integration, hardware, and test engineering to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers.

About the Job:
As an Engineer II, you'll help build and test the autonomy behaviors that power our unmanned systems, working closely with experienced engineers to bring new capabilities to life. You'll focus on implementing and validating well-defined features while developing your skills in autonomy, robotics, and large-scale software systems. In this role, you'll gain exposure to how autonomy software moves from concept to real-world deployment, contributing to systems that operate in complex, high-stakes environments.
What You'll Do:
  • Implement tactical autonomy software features that enable unmanned platforms to perform complex missions across air, land, sea, and space domains
  • Develop and test behaviors supporting coordination, target engagement, reconnaissance, and survivability in contested scenarios
  • Participate in the software development lifecycle, including implementation, testing, debugging, and supporting verification and validation efforts
  • Collaborate with senior engineers to integrate software components with broader system elements (e.g., sensor processing, communications, and actuation)
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering standards and team practices
  • Support integration and testing across simulation and real-world environments
  • Work with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and support successful feature delivery
  • Continue building expertise in software engineering, autonomy, and robotics systems
  • Travel up to 20% to support testing, integration, and collaboration with partner teams
Required Qualifications:
  • BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience in production-level C++ software development
  • 2-3 years of experience in one or more of the following: software sub-system scheduling and integration, behavior planning, task and resource allocation, motion planning, optimization, or flight controls
  • Experience with collaborative software development tools for version control, issue tracking, code reviews, release management
  • Ability to contribute to the design, development, and integration of complex software systems as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to learn new technologies in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to collaborate closely with teammates and support team objectives
  • Interest in growing technical skills and, over time, providing guidance to more junior engineers
  • Desire to work in a highly collaborative, fast paced, and mission-driven environment
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Exposure to systems operating at different technology readiness levels (TRLs) through academic, research, or internship experience
  • Experience in the delivery of a military mission system
  • Familiarity with mission systems integration concepts, testing, or demonstrations
  • Experience (academic or project-based) in one or more of the following areas:
  • Motion planning, behavior planning, or multi-agent coordination
  • Expose to autonomy, control, or decision-making systems
  • Safety mechanisms such as collision avoidance or constraint enforcement
  • Familiarity with robotic software tools (e.g., ROS, OMPL, or similar frameworks)
  • Experience using simulation environments for development or testing
  • Basic understanding of navigation and/or communications systems
  • Awareness of the software or systems development lifecycle
  • Familiarity with systems engineering fundamentals
  • Exposure to high-assurance or safety-critical software concepts (e.g., DO-178C or similar)
$131,921 - $197,881 a year
#LB
#LI-ED1

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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