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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Autonomous Systems Strategist - **Company:** MITRE Corporation - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $174,000.0 - $217,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Information Technology - **Published:** August 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/00000000gm996p ## About the Role + 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 ## Description 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 ## Related Videos - [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [It's not easy being green](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/558-it-s-not-easy-being-green) - [Edit Your Future: Queerverse Radical AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/909-edit-your-future-queerverse-radical-ai) - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Opening Keynote: Civic Coding, A Framework for Democratic Tech](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/963-opening-keynote-civic-coding-a-framework-for-democratic-tech) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts)