Lead Autonomous Systems Strategist

MITRE’s Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems 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 Robotics and Autonomous 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

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years experience in Autonomy and AI with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 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

• 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 50% hybrid 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

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That’s because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation’s toughest challenges-and we’re committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We’re making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us., Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.