Senior Autonomous Systems Architect Defense & Aerospace

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of advanced autonomy solutions across air, land, sea, and space domains, integrating real-time decision-making, sensor fusion, and AI/ML models into mission-critical embedded platforms.
• Develop and optimize AI/ML models for inference on SWaP-constrained systems using accelerators such as Intel Gaudi, Habana Greco/Goya, and custom ASICs, supporting use cases like UAV swarm coordination, target tracking, and autonomous navigation.
• Deploy cloud-scale training/inference infrastructure for simulation, digital twin, and real-time decision support systems using Kubernetes, OpenShift AI, and high-performance compute clusters.
• Ensure autonomy systems meet cybersecurity, export control, and operational security requirements in classified and dual-use defense environments.
• Collaborate directly with DoD, IC, and Tier-1 aerospace partners to co-develop prototype solutions aligned with mission profiles, platform constraints, and acquisition pathways.
• Deliver SDKs, technical documentation, GitHub examples, and tutorials to accelerate adoption and developer onboarding across defense integrators and mission engineering teams.
• Engage with defense primes, government agencies, and mission owners to shape AI autonomy roadmaps, win new programs, and execute joint development agreements.
• Represent the organization at technical interchange meetings, customer summits, and defense symposia, shaping deployment strategies for autonomy in operational theaters.
• Architect systems to meet MIL-STD, DO-178C, and cybersecurity compliance standards (e.g., RMF, STIGs), supporting accreditation and secure fielding.

Requirements

• Typically requires a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with progressive machine learning experience: nine+ years with a bachelor's, seven+ with a master's, or four+ with a PhD.
• Expert understanding of autonomous systems including software stack, architecture, design, algorithms, testing, and verification.
• Expert knowledge of C++ used in autonomous systems.
• Expert knowledge of DevSecOps practices.
• Experience in developing fully autonomous systems, software stacks, and deployments in real-world applications (e.g., ADAS, Drones, Robotics).
• Experience in developing and leading scalable software architectures from scratch.
• Experience in deploying Machine Learning/Deep Learning solutions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Nice to Have

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field; MBA or defense acquisition training is a plus.
• 14+ years of experience delivering autonomous or AI-enabled systems, including fielded capabilities in defense or aerospace platforms.
• Deep technical background in embedded AI, computer vision, perception, and decision systems for autonomous platforms.
• Experience working with U.S. DoD programs, FFRDCs, or Tier-1 defense contractors on autonomy initiatives.
• Familiarity with defense frameworks such as MOSA, FACE, SOSA, and standards like NIST 800-53, FIPS, STIGs.
• Proven success in technical business development and joint solutioning with government and defense industry partners.
• TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in a relevant technical discipline with corresponding years of experience.
• Experience in autonomous systems, AI/ML deployment, and scalable software architecture.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range: $140,940 - $252,293