Freelance Autonomous Vehicle Operator Jobs in Colorado

Summary
Position Title: Autonomy Engineer (Contingent)
Position ID: TA242
Location(s): Hybrid; Greater Denver Metro Area, CO, Northern, VA, Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
Security Clearance Requirement: TS/SCI Security Clearance

Trusted Space is seeking a Mid-Level Autonomy Engineer to build and integrate autonomy algorithms and support performance evaluation in simulation and demonstration environments. The engineer will work across message buses, interfaces, and mission workflows as part of a cross-functional Agile team. This position is contingent upon award, anticipated start September 2026.

• Develop, implement, and refine autonomy algorithms (e.g., Reinforcement Learning, Model Predictive Control, sample-based methods) for space-domain missions.
• Contribute to integration of Trusted Space autonomy capabilities, including message bus interactions, ICDs/APIs, simulation interfaces, and autonomy system workflows.
• Generate autonomy performance metrics and artifacts for verification and customer reviews.
• Support integration testing, demo preparation, data generation, and scripted execution activities within Agile Scrum workflows.
• Collaborate with systems, software, aerospace, and DevSecOps engineers to maintain traceability across requirements, MBSE models, interfaces, and test vectors.
• Contribute autonomy-focused content to documentation, operator guides, training materials, and technical handoff packages.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• 4+ years of relevant industry or research experience developing autonomous systems.
• Hands-on experience implementing Reinforcement Learning, Model Predictive Control, sample-based autonomy algorithms, or other decision-making and control techniques, and analyzing their performance.
• Demonstrated ability working with large software codebases involving multiple interacting components.
• Proficiency with Python and modern algorithm development tools.
• Experience with software testing, integration workflows, and simulation environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional Agile teams.
• U.S. Citizenship; active TS/SCI clearance.

• Experience with autonomy for robotics, UAVs, or space vehicles.
• Working knowledge of aerospace mission dynamics or space-domain operational constraints.
• Background supporting integration and demonstration events, including test scripting, performance data gathering and analysis, and operator workflow definitions.
• Strong technical communication skills.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (optional but beneficial).

The salary range for this role is $135,000 - $215,000. Please note that this range is a general guideline and can vary. Trusted Space, LLC considers several factors when extending an offer including, but not limited to: scope, location, position responsibilities, education/training, key skills and business considerations.

Trusted Space seeks to create an environment where Employees are empowered and supported to achieve their full potential. We encourage life-long learning within our agile and innovative work environment. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans; life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; 401(k) plan; paid holidays and generous paid time off; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and other benefits to promote health, wellness, and a positive work-life balance.

Trusted Space is the premier provider of trusted autonomy and battlespace management software solutions enabling machine speed sensing, sense making, decision making, and acting for critical space and intelligence missions. Our portfolio includes trusted autonomy software products, real-time image processing capabilities, advanced space mission engineering services, and space operations & training solutions. We empower government and commercial customers to achieve mission superiority in space reconnaissance & surveillance, dynamic space operations, space-based ISR, and ground/command & control (C2) systems.

Rooted in our adherence to the Golden Rule - to treat others as we want to be treated - Trusted Space fosters a culture of innovation, mission-focus, agility, and technical excellence. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, world-class benefits, and work-life balance. We encourage life-long learning and continuous improvement in all we do. We consider it a privilege to work with our customers to provide solutions to their most difficult national security and intelligence challenges.

Trusted Space, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment are decided based on qualifications, merit, competence, performance, and business need.

This is a full time position