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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Renton, WA

General Robotics

Systems Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$155K - $205K/yr

We aspire to become the starting point for AI-powered autonomous systems across a diverse set of scenarios. Position Overview We are seeking a Systems Engineer to join our team in Redmond, WA. We ...

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 ...

Blue Origin

Mission Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and provide technical leadership to ... Provide systems engineering support to a multidisciplinary team to ensure a cohesive and robust ...

RADAR

Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA

The System Engineer will own cross-functional features to ensure that performance and quality ... You are comfortable operating autonomously in ambiguity * You have experience working across ...

Stefanini

Principal Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

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

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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer information

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$16

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$148

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

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance autonomous systems engineer in Renton, WA is $53.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.31 and $69.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Renton, WA? For Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings:
Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Lead Firmware Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Lead Firmware Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Leidos

Lynnwood, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 425 rated business services

Job description

Lead Firmware Engineer, Autonomous Systems
Make an Impact Where Hardware Meets Mission
Leidos is seeking a Lead Firmware & Systems Integration Engineer to help design, integrate, and field next-generation autonomous maritime systems supporting missions of national importance. This role sits at the intersection of embedded firmware, electronics, vehicle integration, and autonomous systems engineering-delivering real-world capabilities that operate in some of the most challenging environments on the planet.
This is not a traditional software engineering position. Success in this role comes from understanding how hardware and software interact at the lowest levels and having the technical depth to diagnose, integrate, and optimize complete systems. You'll work directly with microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, communications systems, and vehicle subsystems while leading teams responsible for transforming concepts into operational capabilities.
One day you may be diagnosing a timing issue with an oscilloscope, another designing embedded architectures for an autonomous underwater vehicle, and another leading integration efforts as a vehicle prepares for testing and deployment. You'll help bridge the gap between requirements, hardware, firmware, and mission execution.
As a technical leader, you'll guide multidisciplinary teams, mentor engineers, influence architecture decisions, and help deliver mission-ready systems that support customers across the Department of Defense and other national security organizations.
This position is located in Lynnwood, WA. Hybrid work opportunities are available based on program needs.
You will be successful in this role if:
* You understand that successful autonomous systems are built through disciplined engineering and relentless attention to detail.
* You're equally comfortable reviewing firmware architecture, debugging communications interfaces, probing signals with an oscilloscope, mentoring engineers, and discussing mission requirements with customers.
* You know the difference between software that compiles and systems that work.
If you're passionate about building and integrating real-world systems that directly contribute to critical national security missions, we'd like to talk with you.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead firmware development and hardware/software integration efforts from project inception through deployment.
  • Serve as the technical lead for small multidisciplinary teams, providing engineering leadership, mentorship, and technical oversight.
  • Coordinate with project managers, systems engineers, customers, and functional leads to develop technical plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
  • Translate system-level requirements into derived firmware, hardware interface, and integration requirements.
  • Design embedded architectures and control systems for autonomous maritime platforms and mission systems.
  • Develop and implement robust firmware solutions for real-time and resource-constrained environments.
  • Lead integration activities involving sensors, actuators, communications systems, power systems, and vehicle subsystems. Troubleshoot complex system-level issues spanning firmware, electronics, communications interfaces, and integrated vehicle behavior.
  • Work directly with laboratory and test equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and related instrumentation.
  • Guide architectural decisions involving embedded processors, communications protocols, real-time operating systems, and control systems.
  • Mentor firmware and systems engineers in technical execution, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Arbitrate challenging technical decisions by evaluating tradeoffs and driving teams toward practical, mission-focused solutions.
  • Drive continuous improvement of firmware development, integration, testing, and validation processes.
  • Support system integration, qualification testing, field testing, and operational demonstrations to ensure delivery of high-quality mission-ready capabilities.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 12-15 years of relevant experience or Master's degree with 10-13 years of relevant experience.
  • Active Secret clearance (or higher).
  • Advanced proficiency developing firmware in C/C++ within embedded and Linux-based environments.
  • Extensive experience with STM32 microcontrollers or similar ARM Cortex-M platforms.
  • Deep understanding of embedded systems fundamentals including interrupt service routines (ISRs), timers, PWM-based control systems, DMA, memory-mapped peripherals, bootloaders, bare-metal development, and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Expertise with embedded communications and control interfaces including UART, SPI, I2C, CAN Bus, Ethernet, and related embedded protocols.
  • Hands-on experience debugging and validating hardware/software systems using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, and other laboratory equipment.
  • Demonstrated experience integrating hardware and firmware into functioning systems and products.
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive successful execution of complex engineering efforts.
  • Familiarity with software architecture principles and engineering best practices.
  • Experience working within Agile development environments using Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, or similar toolsets.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineers, leadership, and customers.
  • Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to mission success.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing autonomous, robotic, or vehicle-control systems.
  • Experience integrating sensors, navigation systems, payloads, power systems, and electromechanical subsystems into operational platforms.
  • Experience supporting hardware/software integration, qualification testing, environmental testing, and field operations.
  • Experience developing guidance, navigation, control (GNC), autonomy, or mission-management software.
  • Proficiency in additional languages such as Python, Rust, C#, Java, or similar technologies.
  • Familiarity with SysML-based modeling tools such as Cameo or MagicDraw.
  • Experience with containerized and virtualized development environments including Docker and VMware.
  • Experience developing automated test infrastructure, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments, or integration test frameworks.
  • Ability to diagnose and resolve defects across both legacy and modern embedded codebases.
  • Background in the design, development, integration, and testing of autonomous or remotely operated undersea vehicle systems.

SUBSEAMSS
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 2, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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