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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Lunar Outpost

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous ... Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics, and space exploration, you will aid in defining ...

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous ... Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics, and space exploration, you will aid in defining ...

Lunar Outpost

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO · On-site

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous ... Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics, and space exploration, you will aid in defining ...

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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Colorado are hiring for Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings:
Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Senior Systems Engineer- Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Senior Systems Engineer- Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Stratom

Louisville, CO • On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Senior Systems Engineer- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Louisville, CO
Compensation: $100,000 - $160,000 / year
Description
About Stratom
Stratom is a mission-driven engineering company developing autonomous and unmanned ground vehicles and robotic systems for demanding industrial and defense environments. Our teams design, build, and deploy advanced systems that combine rugged mechanical platforms with cutting-edge autonomy.
We work across the full product lifecycle-from early concepts and prototypes through testing, field deployment, and production. Our engineers solve complex technical challenges while collaborating across mechanical, electrical, software, autonomy, and manufacturing disciplines.
About the Role
Stratom is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in autonomous robotics and complex electromechanical systems to provide technical leadership across the development, integration, and verification of advanced robotic platforms. We welcome candidates with systems engineering experience in autonomous vehicles, robotics, heavy-duty equipment, industrial automation, commercial vehicles, aerospace, marine, rail, energy, or defense applications.
The ideal candidate combines strong systems thinking with hands-on engineering experience and enjoys solving challenging integration problems in heavy-duty, industrial, autonomous, or defense applications.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role with a focus on execution, system ownership, and cross-functional collaboration. The Senior Systems Engineer will spend the majority of their time driving system development activities while providing technical leadership across the organization:
80% - Systems Engineering & Project Execution:
  • Lead hands-on systems engineering activities including system architecture, MBSE modeling, requirements development and traceability, interface definition, integration, verification and validation planning, technical analysis, and support of prototype development, testing, and field deployment.

15% - Technical Project Leadership:
  • Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams by coordinating engineering activities, guiding system-level decisions, facilitating trade studies, identifying technical risks, and helping drive successful execution across mechanical, electrical, software, autonomy, manufacturing, and test teams.

5% - Customer & Executive Technical Interface:
  • Support technical discussions with customers, partners, and company leadership by communicating system status, technical decisions, risks, and program progress.

Location:
This position is based in Louisville, Colorado, with a strong preference for candidates who can work on-site or in a hybrid capacity. Remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates located in the Maryland/Washington, DC metro area or the Detroit, Michigan area to support collaboration with key team members and strategic program partners. Candidates in these locations should be available for periodic travel and in-person meetings.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide comprehensive systems engineering leadership across the full lifecycle, from concept through deployment, owning system-level technical decisions and driving successful integration of complex systems.
  • Lead requirements development, allocation, traceability, and verification/validation activities to ensure alignment with customer, regulatory, and system performance requirements.
  • Lead system architecture development, interface definition, and technical trade studies to balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, autonomy, and manufacturing engineers to integrate hardware and software components into cohesive robotic systems.
  • Guide robotic system development with a fundamental understanding of how system components interact to achieve operational goals and mission requirements.
  • Support safety engineering activities including hazard analyses, FMEAs, and safety case development for autonomous systems.
  • Coordinate and lead cross-disciplinary integration activities across mechanical, electrical, software, and autonomy teams, ensuring interfaces are well-defined, verified, and validated.
  • Mentor engineers through technical guidance, collaboration, and the application of systems engineering best practices, tools, and processes.

Qualifications
Education + Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience developing complex electromechanical, industrial, autonomous vehicle, robotics, aerospace, or defense systems.

Don't meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply. If you're excited about this opportunity and your experience aligns with most of the qualifications, we'd like to hear from you.
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience leading systems engineering throughout the complete product lifecycle.
  • Experience serving as the systems engineering lead or technical integration lead on multidisciplinary engineering programs.
  • Expertise developing, allocating, and managing system requirements, interfaces, traceability, and verification strategies.
  • Experience leading verification and validation planning and execution.
  • Experience leading cross-functional integration across software, electrical, mechanical, autonomy, and manufacturing teams.
  • Experience facilitating technical trade studies and system-level design decisions.
  • Experience supporting system safety activities including FMEA, hazard analyses, and safety case development.
  • Ability to mentor engineers and drive systems engineering best practices.
  • Willingness to support hands-on prototype integration, debugging, and field testing.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience bringing complex electromechanical, autonomous, robotics, industrial, heavy-duty equipment, commercial vehicle, aerospace, marine, rail, energy, or defense products from development into production
  • Experience leading architecture development using MBSE methodologies and tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw.
  • Experience developing and maintaining system models using MBSE tools to define, analyze, and verify architectures in accordance with MOSA principles.
  • Strong understanding of Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA).
  • Experience with DoD acquisition programs or government-funded development.
  • Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 and autonomous software architectures.
  • Experience with supplier technical management and hardware integration.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461/464, ISO 26262, or similar standards.
  • Experience leading technical planning, risk management, and engineering execution across multiple teams.

Soft Skills
  • Excellent systems thinking and engineering judgment.
  • Strong technical leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.
  • Comfortable leading technical discussions across multiple engineering disciplines.

Additional Requirements
This position requires eligibility to access information subject to U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR and/or EAR. Employees must meet applicable eligibility requirements including U.S citizenship.
A DoD Security Clearance is not required to begin employment ,but employees must maintain eligibility to obtain one.
Benefits
Stratom offers an array of benefits to eligible full-time employees, including health insurance, life and AD&D insurance, a retirement investment plan, annual paid time off, and holiday pay.
Stratom is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
Stratom is a global leader in the development of unmanned ground vehicles and autonomous robotic systems that solve the most pressing real-world logistics and operational challenges for commercial and defense applications. Specializing in unmanned cargo movement, robotic refueling, robotic hazardous liquid transfer and autonomous mobile robots (AMR), the company's military-proven tools, methods, technologies and strategic services solve the most difficult logistics and operational challenges. Whether in a safe, controlled settings or dynamic and challenging terrain, Stratom provides unique solutions to meet each customer's specific needs. With its extensive expertise in R&D, engineering and system integration of autonomous technologies and solutions, Stratom, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is the go-to expert for global corporations, local businesses and government institutions.

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