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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.

$198K/yr

Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills with big picture thinking to make an impact on national security? You ...

Lunar Outpost

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO · On-site

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous ... Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics, and space exploration, you will aid in defining ...

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Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous ... Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics, and space exploration, you will aid in defining ...

Lunar Outpost

Systems Engineer - GNC

Arvada, CO

As a Systems Engineer - GNC, you will play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge autonomous ... Working at the intersection of autonomy, robotics, and space exploration, you will aid in defining ...

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All JobsFreelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs

Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer information

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance autonomous systems engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 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.
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Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Aerospace Systems Engineer

Aerospace Systems Engineer

Near Earth Autonomy, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Aerospace Systems Engineer
Company Overview
Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe. Our technology enables aircraft ranging in scale from sub-meter to full scale to autonomously inspect, map, survey, and transport. We are serious about system design, development, real-world testing, and delivering to customers working, useful systems.
Job Responsibilities and Duties
The Systems Engineer (SE) will contribute to the development of autonomy systems for aviation. This role will support the development, integration, and testing process, focusing on requirements authoring and validation, system definition, design reviews, developmental testing, and hardware, software, and system verification. The SE will be embedded in a cross-functional product team, working closely with hardware, software, and robotics engineers, technical managers, and flight operations staff. The SE will help to improve systems processes over time to enable operational deployment of safe and effective autonomous aircraft.
Summary of roles and responsibilities for this position:
  • Development:
    • System architecture definition via diagrams and documentation
    • Interface definition and control
    • Component specification, selection, and integration
    • Requirements authoring and validation
    • Tracing of requirements, system components (hardware and software), and test artifacts
    • Preparing and presenting design reviews
  • Verification:
    • Requirements verification through test planning and execution
    • Component- and system-level verification and validation
    • Software unit test, integration testing, simulation, and flight testing
  • Release management:
    • Version control for iterative development with staged releases
    • Maintaining system documentation
    • Hardware and software configuration management

This role includes travel approximately once to three times per quarter for field testing. This position will be based in Pittsburgh, PA, with time primarily in the office and a portion of time in the field. Occasional (less than 20%) remote work is available.
Due to the nature of Near Earth's funding, this position is restricted to US persons.
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
  • 5+ years of industry experience in Systems Engineering for Aerospace, with helicopter experience strongly preferred
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant engineering field
  • Experience with modification and test programs for aircraft avionics or controls
  • Ability to assess tasks and apply appropriate processes, tools, and levels of formality and to adapt to changes in course
  • Ability to work independently and balance multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Excitement to help build the future of autonomous aviation

Desired Qualifications and Skills
  • Experience in adapting airframes to support experimental capabilities and specialized mission sets
  • Experience in autonomous systems
  • Experience with software requirements and verification
  • Experience in defense markets
  • Experience with safety critical software systems

Benefits
  • Stock options
  • 401(k) plan
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • Life insurance; long-term and short-term disability benefits

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