Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

Scientific Systems

. Lead a team developing innovative solutions to technical challenges derived from customer requirements .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeBurlington • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $150,000 - $196,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mission autonomy technologies and team leadership, with a strong background in software development for edge platforms and robotics. Proven ability to manage customer interactions, lead proposals, and drive program milestones while staying current with industry trends.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mission Autonomy TechnologiesTeam LeadershipC/C++ and Python ProgrammingRobotics TechnologiesUS DOD Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software Development for Edge PlatformsSimulation Tools and EnvironmentsClassical Autonomy and Machine LearningBehavior Architectures ImplementationTechnical Writing

Soft Skills

Excellent Oral and Written CommunicationCreative Problem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Linux-Based Development EnvironmentsAI/ML Standard Libraries and Tools

Industry Keywords

RoboticsMotion PlanningBehavior ModelingDecision-Making AlgorithmsProgram Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaLinuxPythonRustC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a team developing innovative solutions to technical challenges derived from customer requirements
Serve as a subject matter expert in emerging mission autonomy technologies
Support or lead marketing and proposal efforts in mission autonomy
Support or lead managing and tasking the team to achieve program milestones
Take primary responsibility for prime and customer-facing interactions
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mission autonomy and related areas
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance R&D roadmaps
Work at a desk and on a computer for prolonged periods, with the ability to sit or stand
Travel occasionally when necessary
Potentially push, pull, or lift up to 15 pounds

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or equivalent experience and 7+ years of progressive autonomy technologies experience including team leadership in a related industry, a Master degree and 5+ years of related engineering experience, or a Ph.D. degree and 2+ years working in a related engineering role
Experience working in a team leadership role in a related industry
Proven track record of leading proposals and winning contracts
Proven track record of leading programs in the principal investigator role or similar experience
Experience in building and integrating software for edge platforms
Experience with C/C++, Python, and/or project-specific required languages (e.g. Java, Rust, etc.)
Experience assisting with non-technical programmatic priorities, including staff planning, budget estimation and tracking, and customer-facing interactions
Background in robotics technologies related to motion planning, behavior modeling, or decision-making and their accompanying algorithms
Experience with simulation tools and environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) for validation, verification, and training
Preferred: M.S. or Ph.D. degrees
Familiarity with AI/ML standard libraries and tools
Experience working in Linux-based development environments
Experience working on classical autonomy and machine learning, including reinforcement learning and generative methods
Experience developing software modules combining planning, decision-making, and behavior execution in dynamic, adversarial environments
Experience implementing and testing behavior architectures such as multi-agent collaboration, target engagement, payload management, reconnaissance, and engagement in adversarial scenarios
Ability to analyze mission logs to diagnose failures and optimize models for iterative development
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical writing skills
Ability to identify and creatively solve complex problems
Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DOD Security Clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Hybrid Work Schedule
Free Food & Snacks
Wellness Resources
Summer 9/80 work schedule