Principal Autonomous Systems Strategist

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Department Summary MITRE’s Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, and Data Technical Division's Autonomous and Intelligent Department is an innovative team of engineers focused on the development of cutting‑edge autonomous systems, robotics capabilities, and AI solutions for a safer world. The Autonomous and Intelligent Systems Department has a new opportunity for a strong technical candidate with a STEM degree to join an innovative team of engineers focused on developing Artificial Intelligence and/or Autonomous System solutions for sponsor needs. The right candidate will enjoy a fast‑paced team environment and work with groundbreaking technology.

Roles & Responsibilities

Lead strategic initiatives that advance the development, acquisition, integration, and responsible deployment of autonomous systems across government mission areas

Help department and division define and execute strategy around enabling high‑consequence applications of autonomy, including necessary assurance, test and evaluation, and sociotechnical implications

Provide technical leadership on cross‑functional teams evaluating and improving the performance of autonomous systems

Maintain knowledge of advances in autonomy and robotics capabilities to help sponsors implement strategies and act on emerging technologies

Engage cross‑government sponsors, industry partners, and internal leadership on the strategic, technical, operational, and policy considerations associated with autonomous systems and AI‑enabled capabilities

Create and execute strategies that translate emerging AI and autonomy technologies into operational capabilities aligning technical approaches with acquisition pathways, governance frameworks, standardization, test and evaluation, and mission needs

Critically assess and review technologies and proposals to ensure mission alignment, technical feasibility, and operational capability

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, researchers, operators, and program managers to develop innovative solutions that address complex sponsor challenges

Basic Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 10 years experience in Autonomy and AI with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of autonomy‑related education and work experience

Demonstrated experience with autonomous systems, AI‑enabled systems, or robotics across the capability lifecycle including research and development, strategy, policy, acquisition, systems engineering, test and evaluation, operations, program management, technology transition, or sustainment

Experience with autonomous platforms operating in air, ground, maritime, or space domains

Broad understanding of autonomous systems across multiple domains (Department of War, Services, Intelligence Community, DHS, transportation, industry, and academia)

Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and stakeholders, translate technical jargon for a range of audiences, and interpret and propose definitions in a repeatable and descriptive manner

Applied expertise in counter autonomy (e.g., cUAS) and/or cybersecurity for autonomous systems

Ability to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into strategic recommendations for a range of audiences

Demonstrated ability to shape and define work in collaboration with sponsors or stakeholders, even in the absence of fully defined requirements

Demonstrated leadership skills, including leading teams, developing and managing schedules, communicating risks, and managing budgets

Experience developing, proposing, and executing autonomy‑focused research initiatives

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.

This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on‑site.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in related field such as Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, etc.

Knowledge of advances of autonomy and AI evaluation capabilities in industry and academia

Applied knowledge of government AI and autonomy policy, acquisition pathways, operational concepts, or test and evaluation practices

Experience influencing organizational strategy or contributing to government policy development related to emerging technologies

Experience developing technology roadmaps, evaluating emerging technologies, and conducting technology assessments

Prior work collaborating across government, industry, and academia

Active DOD Top Secret clearance

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s) None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s) Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint $191,200 - $239,000 - $286,800 Annual

Work Location Type Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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