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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Integer

Autonomous Systems Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

About the role Integer Technologies is seeking an Autonomous Systems Engineer to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced autonomy software for maritime robotic platforms. This ...

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ASUS

Autonomous Systems Engineer

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$161K - $246K/yr

The ASUS Robotics & AI Center is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our autonomous systems development team. This role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering contributions ...

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How much do freelance autonomous systems engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance autonomous systems engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance autonomous systems engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in robotics, control systems, and programming (such as Python, C++, or ROS), usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, MATLAB/Simulink), sensor integration, and experience with machine learning frameworks or embedded systems is highly valued. Effective problem-solving, self-motivation, and strong communication are essential soft skills for managing projects independently and collaborating with diverse clients. These skills ensure the successful design, deployment, and troubleshooting of autonomous solutions in dynamic environments.

What is a freelance autonomous systems engineer?

A Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains autonomous systems—such as robots, drones, or self-driving vehicles—on a contract or project basis rather than as a full-time employee. They often work with various clients to develop intelligent systems that can operate independently using software, sensors, and machine learning. This role typically involves tasks like programming, integrating hardware and software, testing, and troubleshooting. Freelancers in this field enjoy flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different industries. They must stay updated with the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies.

What is the difference between Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer vs Autonomous Vehicle Software Developer?

AspectFreelance Autonomous Systems EngineerAutonomous Vehicle Software Developer
CredentialsRelevant engineering degrees, certifications in robotics or AIComputer science or software engineering degrees, specialized in autonomous systems
Work EnvironmentIndependent projects, client sites, remote workCompany offices, R&D labs, remote development teams
Industry UsageConsulting, freelance projects across multiple industriesAutomotive manufacturers, tech companies focused on autonomous vehicles
Search & Comparison IntentFreelance autonomous systems roles, consulting opportunitiesAutonomous vehicle software roles, in-house development

The main difference is that a Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer works independently on various projects across industries, often consulting or contracting. In contrast, an Autonomous Vehicle Software Developer typically works within a company developing software specifically for autonomous vehicles. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ mainly in work environment and employment structure.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance autonomous systems engineers when working with clients remotely?

Freelance autonomous systems engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning with a client’s technical expectations, managing communication across different time zones, and ensuring seamless integration with existing engineering teams. Since projects can vary widely in scope and complexity, it’s important to set clear milestones, maintain detailed documentation, and regularly update clients on progress. Building trust and maintaining transparency are key to successful long-term collaborations, especially when working independently or with distributed teams.
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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Autonomous Systems Engineer

Integer

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Integer Holdings rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

321st of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

About the role
Integer Technologies is seeking an Autonomous Systems Engineer to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced autonomy software for maritime robotic platforms. This role spans the autonomy stack-including perception, localization, mapping, planning, and control-with an emphasis on developing robust algorithms for real-world operation in constrained and uncertain environments. Ideal candidates have experience in robotics, state estimation, controls, simulation, or related fields, along with strong software development skills and an interest in solving challenging multidisciplinary problems. Candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible to obtain a DoD security clearance and enjoy working closely with engineers, scientists, and academic collaborators.
Because Integer is a fast-moving research and development organization, this role is intentionally broad. We occupy a unique position in the research ecosystem-close enough to academia to co-develop new methods with university partners, and close enough to operational users to transition those ideas into fielded technology. Engineers in this role move between software development, modeling and simulation, field experimentation, technical analysis, collaboration with research partners, and contributions to future programs.
Don't meet every qualification? Please apply anyway. We are seeking engineers with deep expertise in one or more technical areas and an interest in collaborating across disciplines. We welcome applicants ranging from early-career engineers with strong technical foundations to experienced researchers and developers. Responsibilities, project ownership, and technical leadership will grow with experience and demonstrated capability.
What you'll do
  • Algorithm Development & Implementation Develop and evaluate algorithms for autonomy, estimation, planning, and control on simulated and physical robotic systems. Depending on project needs, this may include system identification, sensor fusion, machine learning, multi-agent coordination, or data reduction techniques that enable operation under bandwidth, storage, and compute constraints.
  • Modeling & Simulation Build and validate models of robotic platforms, sensors, operating environments, and communications systems. Use simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to characterize performance, quantify uncertainty, and identify failure modes before field deployment.
  • University Collaboration Serve as a technical point of contact for academic partners, helping define collaborative research, evaluate technical approaches, and translate research outcomes into program deliverables.
  • Verification & Data Analysis Design and execute computational studies, laboratory experiments, and field evaluations. Analyze experimental data, compare results with model predictions, and use findings to improve algorithms and system performance.
  • Technical Communication Produce clear technical reports, interface and design documentation, and program deliverables. Contributing to conference or journal papers with university partners is supported and encouraged.

Required Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret Clearance.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field; advanced degrees preferred.
  • Demonstrated depth in at least one and working familiarity with at least two of the following:
    • Dynamics, control theory, and vehicle kinematics/dynamics modeling
    • System identification, parameter estimation, and model validation
    • State estimation and sensor fusion (Kalman-family filters, particle filters, factor graphs)
    • Modeling, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop test methods
    • Machine learning applied to physical systems - learned dynamics or sensor models, data-driven estimation, and learning-based control or decision-making
    • Data reduction and representation - compression, feature extraction, and dimensionality reduction under bandwidth, storage, or compute constraints
    • Autonomous decision-making under uncertainty (planning, POMDPs, learning-based methods, multi-agent coordination)
  • Experience applying those methods to fielded or prototype engineered systems in maritime, aerospace, ground, space, industrial, or other complex multi-domain systems.
  • Proficiency in Python and/or C++, and comfort with a scientific computing environment such as MATLAB/Simulink, Julia, or the Python scientific stack.
  • Ability to engage critically with technical literature and research methods - evaluating assumptions, derivations, and the sufficiency of results in support of stated conclusions.
  • Understanding of autonomy frameworks, decision-making algorithms, and real-time system constraints in distributed, multi-agent environments.
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to interface across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

Desired Qualifications
We do not expect any one candidate to bring all of these. If you are strong in the core areas above and several of these are unfamiliar, we would still like to hear from you!
Autonomous Systems & Robotics
  • Experience with autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), or other uncrewed platforms.
  • Experience with robotics simulation environments such as Isaac Sim, Gazebo, MOOS-IvP, HoloOcean, Stonefish, DAVE, or Unreal/Unity-based simulators.
  • Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2) or real-time middleware such as DDS, Zenoh, or MQTT.
  • Knowledge of distributed systems, multi-agent coordination, or swarm autonomy.
  • Familiarity with sim-to-real transfer, domain adaptation, or training with limited real-world data.

Dynamics, Controls & Intelligent Systems
  • Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), flight dynamics, spacecraft attitude determination, or flight test experience.
  • Optimization methods including MPC, trajectory optimization, convex optimization, or nonlinear programming.
  • Fault detection and diagnosis, health monitoring, or runtime assurance.
  • Physics-informed or hybrid modeling approaches that combine first-principles models with learned components.
  • Task-aware or semantic compression, information-theoretic data reduction, or onboard data prioritization.

Maritime Systems & Sensing
  • Oceanographic instrumentation, glider operations, or at-sea data collection.
  • Naval architecture, tow tank, or model basin testing.
  • Digital signal processing or acoustic signal processing.
  • Acoustic/RF communications, bandwidth-constrained networking, or distributed estimation under intermittent connectivity.

Software Engineering & Research
  • Experience deploying software using Docker, Kubernetes, or similar containerized environments.
  • Contributions to open-source robotics or scientific computing projects.
  • Participation in RoboSub, RobotX, DARPA challenges, or similar technical competitions.
  • Teaching, tutoring, or mentoring junior engineers.
  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical discipline.
  • Active Secret (or higher) DoD security clearance.

About Integer Technologies
Integer Technologies is an applied research and product development company founded by scientists and engineers with a passion for protecting freedom with innovation. We perform R&D on next-generation systems and technologies for the Department of Defense and other U.S. Government agencies. We are hardware and software developers with experience transforming research into fieldable technology. Our core portfolio of research includes projects in power & energy systems, unmanned systems (with an emphasis on maritime systems), digital engineering, cyber security, and advanced manufacturing. Our mission is to create a safer world by translating scientific discoveries into reliable products that address urgent national security needs... at the speed of relevance.
A few of our current projects include autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, sensing and perception systems, distributed autonomy, maritime communications under bandwidth constraints, and simulation frameworks for evaluating next-generation naval autonomy concepts. Projects range from early-stage research through prototype development and field demonstration.
Company Benefits
  • Integer fully covers medical, prescription, vision, and dental insurance costs for the employee and dependents. Meaning, Integer standard plan pays 100% of health insurance premiums for your entire family from a well-known national insurer, saving its employees thousands of dollars annually.
  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Base salaries which exceed local & national industry averages.
  • Year-end performance-based bonuses.
  • 401(k) with company matching that vest immediately; no funny business.
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays

Company Perks
  • Startup culture with the stability of a large company. Integer's business plan has years of time phased contracted work, alleviating the would-be risk from a traditional small company.
  • Direct access to company leadership, prioritization of people over process, and a stellar team with a shared desire for personal and professional growth.
  • Friendly atmosphere where people enjoy not only their work and what they're creating but enjoy helping each other as well.
  • Bottomless Coffee and Breakroom Snacks.

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