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# Principal Autonomous Systems Strategist

- **Company:** MITRE Corporation
- **Location:** McLean, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $191,200.0 - $239,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** AI Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Information Technology
- **Published:** October 8, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9223525/principal-autonomous-systems-strategist

## About the Role

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., * 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., * 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

* 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