Autonomous Flight Systems Engineer

Location: Tysons Corner, VA Salary: $60.00 USD Hourly - $80.00 USD Hourly Description:
Title: Autonomous Flight Systems Engineer
Location: Crystal City, VA (Hybrid - Onsite 2-3 Days per Week)
Clearance: Ability to Obtain Secret Clearance
About the Opportunity
Our client is seeking an Autonomous Flight Systems Engineer to support the development of next-generation autonomous and robotic systems for Department of Defense mission applications. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of embedded software, autonomy, sensing technologies, and hardware integration, helping deliver innovative capabilities across air, ground, and multi-domain autonomous platforms.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience developing embedded software in Linux environments, designing autonomy algorithms, and integrating hardware and software systems for unmanned and autonomous vehicles. This position requires a hands-on engineer who thrives in a research and development environment and enjoys solving complex technical challenges from concept through demonstration and deployment.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy advanced robotic and autonomous system capabilities.
• Develop embedded software solutions in C/C++ for Linux-based edge and embedded platforms.
• Create and implement autonomy algorithms supporting mission management, guidance, navigation, path planning, and vehicle control.
• Integrate sensors, payloads, communication systems, and platform hardware into autonomous systems.
• Develop software for flight control systems, flight controllers, and ground control station applications.
• Support system architecture, software design, interface development, and performance optimization.
• Conduct software verification, validation, troubleshooting, and debugging activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to transition concepts into operational capabilities.
• Contribute to technical strategy, mentor junior engineers, and provide leadership on complex development efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing embedded software in C/C++ within Linux-based embedded or edge computing environments.
• Experience with device driver development, sensor integration, interface development, and software testing and debugging.
• 3+ years of experience developing autonomy algorithms or behaviors related to mission planning, guidance, navigation, path planning, or autonomous vehicle operations.
• 3+ years of experience developing software for flight systems, flight controllers, avionics software, or ground control systems.
• 1+ year of experience developing collaborative or distributed autonomy solutions for autonomous systems.
• Experience with software configuration and package management tools such as Conan and Nix.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience working with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and PX4 flight control platforms.
• Experience utilizing Agile development methodologies and DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automation, and test-driven development.
• Experience developing and validating Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and system interfaces.
• Familiarity with QGroundControl or similar mission planning and vehicle management software.
• Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field preferred.
• Ph.D. in a related technical discipline is a plus.

What You'll Bring

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a highly technical R&D environment.
• Passion for robotics, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical initiatives.

Work Environment
This is a hybrid position based in Crystal City, Virginia, requiring onsite attendance 2-3 days per week. The role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous and robotic technologies supporting critical national security missions.
Security Requirements
Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a government security investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.
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