Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our mission is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards of the Site’s Cold War legacy.

Our vision is to be the user site of choice for large‑scale, high‑hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air.

Annual salary range for this position is: $ - $.

• Competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, vision, pension, 401k, paid time off, 96 paid holidays, relocation (if located more than 75 miles from work location), tuition assistance and reimbursement.

• Architect and build end‑to‑end control systems integrating PLCs, embedded platforms, sensors, and actuators for real‑world applications.
• Develop and implement control logic and firmware across industrial and embedded environments, from low‑level interfaces to supervisory control.
• Translate system goals into close‑loop solutions, combining sensing, signal processing, and control strategies to achieve reliable performance.
• Partner with AI/ML specialists to optimize system behavior, enable adaptive control and detect anomalies.
• Prototype, test, and refine systems in the lab and field, troubleshooting across hardware and software boundaries to ensure robust operation.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams composed of scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities specialists, academic collaborators, and professional support staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) (Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical).
• Or a calculus‑based STEM bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Or, for architects, certification from the National Council or Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).
• Or, a Professional Engineer license.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience, with demonstrated deeper technical specialization or cross‑disciplinary knowledge.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming and/or embedded firmware development (e.g., C/C++, Python).
• Proven ability to architect and debug complex systems spanning sensors, actuators, and control logic.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong time‑management skills and well‑organized with safe work habits.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write reports and technical documents.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) in Santa Barbara, CA. Work schedule will be negotiated; employees can work 5–8, 9–80, or 4–10 work‑weeks.

Pre‑placement physical examination, including a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance‑abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance. DOE security requirements may include background investigations, counterintelligence evaluation, and, if necessary, a polygraph examination.

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.