Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Responsibilities
**This position is for upcoming work and is contingent upon task award/funding.
** This will be an onsite position at Fort Belvoir, VA.
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Electronics & Computer Hardware Engineer to support cutting-edge autonomous systems programs within a dynamic government contracting environment in Washington, DC. In this role, you will serve as a technical authority on hardware engineering efforts spanning autonomous platforms, advanced sensor integration, and directed energy systems. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and government stakeholders to design, develop, and deploy sophisticated hardware solutions that advance national defense and security objectives. This position demands deep technical expertise, a proactive problem-solving mindset, and the ability to operate effectively within fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate electronics and computer hardware architectures supporting autonomous systems with an emphasis on position, navigation, and remote sensing capabilities
• Lead hardware integration efforts for telemetry and communications systems, ensuring reliable data link performance across autonomous platforms operating in contested and GPS-degraded environments
• Architect and implement hardware solutions for remote and autonomous sensor deployment, including payload integration, interface design, and field validation
• Develop and refine hardware systems enabling autonomy for precision placement, supporting real-time decision-making and closed-loop control for unmanned platforms
• Provide senior-level technical guidance on sensors and detectors hardware design, selection, and integration in support of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions
• Support research, development, and evaluation activities related to directed energy systems, including hardware compatibility assessments, power management, and thermal considerations
• Interface directly with government program managers and technical leads to define hardware requirements, assess feasibility, and communicate system performance against program milestones

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline; Master's degree strongly preferred

• 10+ years of progressive experience in electronics or computer hardware engineering, with demonstrated focus on autonomous or unmanned systems
• Proven experience with navigation and remote sensing hardware, including GPS/GNSS, IMUs, LiDAR, radar, and/or electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems
• Hands-on experience designing or integrating telemetry and communications hardware, including RF systems, data links, and embedded communication interfaces
• Demonstrated knowledge of hardware development lifecycles including requirements definition, schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, testing, and fielding
• Familiarity with applicable DoW standards and specifications (e.g., MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, MIL-SPEC components) and systems engineering principles
• with an Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance (required at time of application)

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred experience with rapid capability development and acquisition, relevant military operations, or technology transition from R&D to fielding.
• Experience supporting directed energy programs, including hardware design considerations for high-power systems, beam control electronics, or associated power conditioning equipment
• Prior work with autonomous precision placement or unmanned logistics systems, including guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) hardware
• Familiarity with FPGA/ASIC design or embedded processor architectures used in autonomous platform hardware
• Experience working directly with DoW or IC customers in a program office or laboratory environment
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant IEEE certifications

Overview
Overview
Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.
We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org
Why Work at Noblis
At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.
Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.
Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.
EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work
Total Rewards
At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.
Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.
Posted Salary Range
USD $160,800.00 - USD $251,325.00 /Yr.