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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Renton, WA

Sr. Systems Engineer, Prime Air

Seattle, WA

$118K - $162K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a Senior Systems Engineer you will define, design, verify, and launch safety critical autonomous ground system features in a variety of airspace environments. Key ...

Sr. Systems Engineer, Prime Air

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a Senior Systems Engineer you will define, design, verify, and launch safety critical autonomous ground system features in a variety of airspace environments. Key ...

Sr. Systems Engineer, Prime Air

Seattle, WA

$118K - $162K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a Senior Systems Engineer you will define, design, verify, and launch safety critical autonomous ground system features in a variety of airspace environments. Key ...

Sr. Systems Engineer, Prime Air

Seattle, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Key job responsibilities As a Senior Systems Engineer you will define, design, verify, and launch safety critical autonomous ground system features in a variety of airspace environments. Key ...

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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer information

See Renton, WA salary details

$16

$53

$148

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

As of Jun 13, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,617 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Communication Systems Engineer

Communication Systems Engineer

Boeing

Tukwila, WA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 587 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Communication Systems Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

At Boeing, we create the future - of mobility, autonomy, speed, endurance, space access and exploration, undersea vehicles, cybersecurity, communication, and much more. We connect people, products, and ideas around the world. We protect people and nations. We explore the mysteries of the universe from seabed to space to cyberspace. We inspire future generations of innovators, dreamers, and doers.

We are Engineering & Technology Innovations, Boeing's global research and development team creating and implementing innovative technologies that make the impossible possible and enable the future of aerospace. We are engineers and technicians, skilled scientists, and bold innovators designing the next generation of communication systems for commercial transport airplanes, UAVs, and SatCom. Join us and put your passion, determination, and skill to work building the future!

The Sensor and Antenna Solutions team is seeking a highly skilledCommunication Systems Engineer to support airborne and space communication designs in Tukwila, WA.

The ideal candidate will work closely with business units and program customers to analyze and translate requirements into system architecture, hardware and software designs, and interface specifications. This role requires a strong technical background, leadership capabilities, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams. The candidate will also contribute to proposal development by writing appropriate sections to support new business growth.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and development of airborne and space communication systems, including system architecture, hardware, and software interface specifications.
  • Analyze and translate customer and business unit requirements into detailed system designs.
  • Develop and validate link budgets for SATCOM and other communication systems.
  • Assess regulatory impacts (FCC, ETSI, etc.) on SATCOM link budgets and system designs.
  • Evaluate waveform characteristics and their implications on system architecture.
  • Apply knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM networks and Advanced Tactical Data Links.
  • Define antenna characteristics and perform trades for phased array antenna requirements.
  • Specify and decompose communications system performance requirements from platform capability to box level.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and test engineers.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Support system verification, validation, and certification activities.
  • Write technical proposal sections to support business development efforts.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Interface with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and provide technical solutions.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in communication system engineering, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Experience in SATCOM (satellite communication) architectures and design practices
  • Experience with model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience with working on satellite or space based communication systems
  • Experience working with communications systems including wide-band SATCOM (L, Ku, K, Ka band), HF, VHF, UHF
  • Experience in hardware & software development for communication systems used in military aircraft (i.e. common data link, SATCOM, MUOS, other LEO/MEO/GEO constellations)
  • Knowledge of military and commercial SATCOM networks and Advanced Tactical Data Links.
  • Understanding of antenna characteristics, including phased array antenna requirements and trade studies.
  • Experience with waveform characteristics and communication system architectures.
  • Strong understanding of general link budgeting concepts and SATCOM link budgets.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience with aerospace communication standards and protocols (e.g., MIL-STD, ARINC).
  • Familiarity with software-defined radio (SDR) and networked communication systems.
  • Prior experience leading engineering teams or projects.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles related to communication systems.

Travel:

10%

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range for Senior Level (Level 4): $146,200 - $197,800

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim U.S. Secret Clearance Pre-Start and final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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