Autonomous Software Engineer

Job Title: Autonomous Software Engineer Job Description
Join a high-impact engineering team developing the next generation of autonomous maritime systems that operate in complex and dynamic environments. In this role, you will focus on the software that enables unmanned systems to make decisions, navigate, communicate, and execute missions with limited human intervention. You will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, and test engineers to deliver advanced autonomy capabilities that directly support real-world undersea operations.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and enhance autonomy software for unmanned and robotic systems used in maritime and undersea operations.
- Develop algorithms that support navigation, mission planning, vehicle behaviors, decision-making, and autonomous operations.
- Integrate autonomy software with sensors, payloads, communication systems, and vehicle control architectures.
- Support software verification and validation activities, including simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to define, refine, and implement system requirements.
- Troubleshoot software and system-level issues during integration, laboratory testing, and field operations.
- Contribute to software architecture decisions, performance optimization, and continuous product improvement initiatives.
- Support technical documentation, software release processes, and compliance with customer and program requirements.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience developing software in C++, Python, or similar object-oriented programming languages.
- Understanding of robotics and autonomous systems, including controls, vehicle behaviors, or mission planning algorithms.
- Experience working in Linux-based development environments and supporting software integration efforts.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team and collaborate across mechanical, electrical, systems, and test disciplines.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with autonomous vehicles, robotics, maritime systems, UAVs, UGVs, or UUVs.
- Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System) and simulation environments used for autonomy development and testing.
- Knowledge of sensor fusion, machine learning, computer vision, or path-planning algorithms.
- Experience supporting field testing, system integration, or operational deployments of autonomous or robotic systems.
Work Environment
This position is based onsite in Pocasset, MA, within a collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced autonomous maritime and undersea systems. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams in laboratory and integration spaces that support software development, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing, as well as preparation for field operations. The role involves hands-on interaction with robotic platforms, sensors, and communication systems, and provides opportunities to see your software directly applied in real-world undersea missions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Pocasset, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Pocasset, MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Pocasset,MA. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.