Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. The Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department works to enable effective and safe adoption of embodied AI solutions for the most critical challenges. Our technical team of experts, developers, and strategists are helping to realize the benefits autonomy will bring across various sectors including defense, healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement. We bring our unique and unbiased understanding of missions, the innovation landscape, and technology to focus in areas where industry is not incentivized or able to operate to bring insights and solutions to MITRE's sponsors and partners. Roles & Responsibilities: * Maintain knowledge of advances of autonomy and robotics capabilities
* Leverage technical expertise to evaluate and improve AI/Autonomy system performance
* Provide thought leadership centered around autonomy/AI technology adoption on robotics hardware and cloud-based computing environments
* Evaluate autonomy or AI solutions and provide guidance to sponsors based on their requirements
* Work on topics in robotics-relevant fields, such as computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, planning, human machine teaming, and multi-robot systems
* Build capabilities in one of more growth area for Autonomous Systems (e.g., maritime autonomy, healthcare robotics, space robotics)
* Help department and division execute strategy around enabling high-consequence applications of Autonomy, including necessary assurance, T&E, and societal implications Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of autonomy and AI experience; or an advanced degree with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of autonomy -related education and work experience
* Hands-on experience with one or more of the following technical areas: computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, control theory, human-machine teaming, or multi-robot systems
* Ability to clearly articulate autonomy-specific challenges (perception, reasoning, behaviors, collaboration), understand real-world application constraints, discuss critical issues, and identify capability gaps
* Familiarity with state-of-the-art autonomy research and tools, including ROS 2 and Docker
* Ability to work independently to learn new technologies, methods, processes, frameworks, platforms, and systems
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate challenging technical concepts to both lay and expert audiences
* Experience executing autonomy-focused research initiatives
* Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret clearance within 12 months from the date of hire
* Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance
* This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site Preferred Qualifications: * Advanced degree in related field such as Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.
* Experience with software development in a production setting
* Knowledge of advances of Autonomy and AI evaluation capabilities in industry and academia
* Domain knowledge of swarming systems, red teaming, counter UxS, robotic test and evaluation, agentic AI, manufacturing robotics, and/or missile defense
* Experience with configuring and writing software for open-source flight controllers (ArduPilot, PX4. Mission Planner, QGroundControl, etc)
* Experience with rapid prototyping, including fabrication and electronics
* Experience with field testing autonomous systems, particularly unmanned aerial systems
* Knowledge and/or experience with edge computing, C-SWAP (compute, size, weight, and power) platforms, and/or surrogate or scaled platforms
* Work and/or leadership of teams to implement and evaluate AI and Autonomy algorithms
* Active DoD Top Secret clearance This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$121,600 - $152,000 - $182,400 Annual Work Location Type:
Hybrid It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.