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Lead Autonomy Software Engineer

ssci

Hybrid
Burlington, MA
Full-time
Manager
Staff
7+ yrs
$150k–$196kPosted 25m ago

Real job — pulled straight from ssci’s careers page · Verified September 9, 2026 · No reposts.

Job description

ssci is hiring a Lead Autonomy Software Engineer — a full-time, based in Burlington, MA role ($150k–$196k). Apply directly on ssci's careers page below.

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer - Large Air

Location: Burlington, Massachusetts, United States

Department: Innovative Technologies

Workplace: hybrid

Employment Type: full

Description

The Lead Autonomy Software Engineer is a key technical contributor and excels when leading small engineering teams. In this role, you will develop and integrate cutting edge technologies into mission autonomy solutions intended for Group 3-5 unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Mission autonomy enables autonomous agents or teams to conduct strategic decision-making and coordinated actions toward longer-term operational objectives through persistent world modeling, predictive simulation, and adaptive planning under uncertainty and adversarial conditions.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead a team to develop innovative solutions to address 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 team to achieve program’s milestones.
  • Take primary responsibility for prime and customer-facing interactions.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mission autonomy and other areas relevant to Scientific Systems. 
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to advance R&D roadmaps,
  • The role does require the ability to sit or stand at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
  • This role may require occasional travel when necessary.
  • May require the ability to push/pull/lift up to 15 pounds.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DOD Security Clearance.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or equivalent experience and 7+ years of developing autonomy technologies experience including team leadership in a related industry, a master’s 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.
  • Extensive experience leading proposals and winning contracts.
  • Extensive experience 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 as needed, 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 Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. degrees
  • Familiarity with AI/ML standard libraries and tools.
  • Experience in Linux-based development environments.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 

Benefits

  • Salary: $150,000 - $196,000 (Depends on Experience)
  • 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

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Frequently asked questions

What is the salary for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci?

The estimated salary range for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci is $150,000 - $196,000 USD per year.

What skills are required for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci?

The required skills for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci include: C++, Python, Java, Rust, Robotics, Linux, AI, Machine Learning.

What is the seniority level for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci?

Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci is a Manager / Staff / Principal level position.

How do I apply for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci?

You can view the full description and apply for Lead Autonomy Software Engineer at ssci on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/ssci-lead-autonomy-software-engineer-large-air-yk2na.