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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Overland AI

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any ... Role Summary Overland AI is hiring a Systems Engineer to support engineering execution and grow ...

1 point system

Systems Engineer III

Bellevue, WA · On-site

An autonomous self-starter personality with a culture of collaboration. * Detail-oriented with ... Engineering, Systems Engineering, or other technical or science disciplines. * 5 - 8+ years of ...

Starfish Space

Satellite Systems Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

... and autonomous robotics. Starfish has launched several missions to-date, and is focused on ... Working knowledge of systems engineering * Working knowledge of satellite components and ...

Identity Digital

Lead Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Proven ability to work autonomously, make independent decisions, and drive strategic engineering ... Systems Engineer Physical Requirements * Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a ...

Identity Digital

Lead Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Proven ability to work autonomously, make independent decisions, and drive strategic engineering ... Systems Engineer Physical Requirements * Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a ...

Identity Digital

Lead Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Proven ability to work autonomously, make independent decisions, and drive strategic engineering ... Systems Engineer Physical Requirements * Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a ...

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All JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer JobsFreelance Autonomous Systems Engineer JobsFreelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$16

$53

$147

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance autonomous systems engineer in Federal Way, WA is $53.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.12 and $68.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Federal Way, WA?

For Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Federal Way, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Federal Way, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Federal Way, WA are:

What cities near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings:

Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in Federal Way, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 92% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,814 per year, or $53.3 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Overland AI

Seattle, WA • On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Overland AI
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.
Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.
Role Summary
Overland AI is hiring a Systems Engineer to support engineering execution and grow into core systems engineering responsibilities within the Systems, Safety, and Test (SST) organization.
This role is responsible for keeping engineering moving while contributing to core systems engineering. You will run technical working sessions and integration meetings, capture decisions, track action items, and ensure cross-team work progresses to completion. You will also develop requirements, support functional analysis, participate in hazard analysis workshops, and contribute to integration planning, test strategies, and safety documentation.
Working directly with software, hardware, production, safety, and test teams, you'll be embedded in real engineering work from day one - running meetings, taking notes, driving follow-through, developing requirements, and supporting technical analysis. You will gain deep exposure to autonomy systems, MIL-STD-882E safety engineering, DoD requirements, and systems architecture while contributing to system design, customer engagements, and certification efforts.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, the System Engineer will drive engineering execution by leading working sessions, integration syncs, release readiness meetings, and technical reviews, capturing decisions, risks, and action items and owning them through closure. They will coordinate cross-team handoffs across software, hardware, production, safety, and test, maintaining clear ownership, timelines, dependencies, and execution status while supporting bug triage, issue tracking, release planning, and milestone coordination. This person will develop, analyze, and maintain system and subsystem requirements in accordance with MIL-STD-961E, support functional decomposition, interface definition, and requirements traceability, and participate in design reviews, functional hazard analyses, and technical trade studies. They will build verification strategies, support test planning and acceptance criteria, and apply MIL-STD-882E safety processes, DoD acquisition standards, and systems engineering best practices to produce safety documentation, certification artifacts, and customer-facing technical deliverables. This person will maintain high-quality engineering records and technical rationale, prepare concise updates for systems engineering leadership and program management, document requirements, analyses, test outcomes, and design decisions, and identify and implement lightweight process improvements that reduce friction, increase predictability, and help scale the systems engineering discipline as the organization grows.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related) or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2+ years' of professional engineering experience.

Desired Experience and Qualifications
  • Experience working with robotics, autonomy, mechatronics, or vehicle systems (incl. academic projects, internships)
  • Hands-on experience working with integrated hardware / software systems and development cycles, including integration, test, or quality-related work.
  • Familiarity with requirements management, functional analysis, and verification processes and tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive follow-through, coordination, an escalation across teams.
  • Strong organizational and technical communication skills, including clear note-taking, action tracking, and driving follow-through across engineering activities.
  • Ability to apply core engineering fundamentals (physics, dynamics, controls, analysis) to real-world problems and learn complex technical systems quickly.
  • Comfortable working in manufacturing and labStrong environments with required PPE.
  • Strong technical curiosity and growth mindset, with a track record of proven ownership.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to field test sites, including Ellensburg, WA.
  • Experience balancing coordination and hands-on engineering work, supporting both execution and technical analysis.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Location
This position will be onsite in Seattle, WA. Must be willing to travel to additional sites as needed.
Compensation
Annual Base Pay: $140,000 - $190,000
Benefits
  • Equity compensation
  • Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Parental leave

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
This position may involve access to export-controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.
Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [peopleops@overland.ai] to request an accommodation.

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