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Draper

Software Autonomy Engineer

Salary$75k – $156k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience3–5 yrs
Company size1,001–5,000 people
First seenOct 4, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have2
3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance; Secret Clearance is preferred
Nice to have6
Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred
Knowledge in task and motion planning
Knowledge in software integration and testing with robotics platforms
Knowledge in hybrid methods that augment deterministic autonomy algorithms with AI-based approaches
Knowledge in optimization and resource allocation for large team of teams
Knowledge in C/C++, ROS/ROS2
Skills
C
C++
ROS
ROS2
Benefits
Workplace flexibility
Employee clubs
Health workshops
Finance workshops
Social events
Museum and cultural discounts
Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Autonomy Engineer to design and develop autonomous behaviors for multi-domain heterogeneous teams of autonomous vehicles. The Autonomy Engineer will work on cutting-edge defense systems that is fielded by the US Government and commercial customers in aerial, ground, underwater, and space domains. The preferred candidate has knowledge in the following areas;
Nice to have
• Task and motion planning
• Software integration and testing with robotics platforms
• Hybrid methods that augment deterministic autonomy algorithms with AI-based approaches
• Optimization and resource allocation for large team of teams
• C/C++, ROS/ROS2
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.
Experience
3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.
Additional Job Description:
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is preferred.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don’t find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
Cambridge
Job Location - State:
Massachusetts
Job Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$75,000.00 - $156,000.00
Legal
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Benefits
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].
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