Autonomous Software Engineer
The Autonomous Software Engineer will develop and enhance autonomy software for unmanned maritime and undersea systems, focusing on navigation, mission planning, and autonomous decision-making. This role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate software with hardware, support testing and validation, and optimize system performance in real-world operational environments. The position is a contract role based onsite in Pocasset, MA, offering hands-on involvement with advanced robotic platforms and undersea missions.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Business Consulting and Services.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an Autonomous Software Engineer to develop autonomy software for unmanned maritime systems. You will design and implement algorithms for navigation, mission planning, behavior control, and system integration to support undersea and maritime operations. This position is contract-based and fully onsite in Bourne, MA.
What You’ll Do
- Design, develop, and enhance autonomy software for unmanned and robotic maritime systems.
- Implement navigation, mission planning, decision-making, and vehicle behavior algorithms.
- Integrate autonomy code with sensors, payloads, communication links, and vehicle control systems.
- Support verification & validation: simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and field test activities.
- Troubleshoot software and system-level issues during lab and field integration.
- Contribute to software architecture, performance optimization, and continuous improvement.
- Produce technical documentation and follow software release and configuration-control processes.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, systems, and test engineers to refine requirements and deliverables.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
- Proficient in C++, Python, or other object-oriented programming languages.
- Experience with Linux-based development environments and integration workflows.
- Solid understanding of robotics and autonomous system concepts (controls, behaviors, planning).
- Strong teamwork skills and experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Preferred / Additional Skills
- Experience with autonomous vehicles (UUVs, UAVs, UGVs) or maritime systems.
- Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System) and simulation tools used for autonomy development.
- Knowledge of sensor fusion, computer vision, machine learning, or path-planning algorithms.
- Experience supporting field testing, system integration, and operational deployments.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role in Bourne, MA. You will work in lab and integration spaces with hands-on access to robotic platforms, sensors, and HIL test equipment, and support preparation for field operations. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and occasional field test deployments.
Pay & Benefits
- Contract hourly rate: $45.00 - $65.00 per hour. Individual pay within this range will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include: medical, dental & vision; voluntary life & AD&D; short- and long-term disability; 401(k) retirement plan options; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and time off/leave options.
- Confidential Client complies with applicable pay transparency and employment laws.
Massachusetts applicants: Confidential Client follows Massachusetts employment laws. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment.
Job Type & Location
- Employment type: CONTRACTOR
- Workplace: Fully onsite in Bourne, MA
- Industry: Business Consulting and Services
- Pay: $45.00 - $65.00 / hour
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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