Autonomy Developer

Job Description

MUST BE A US CITIZEN

Must have a TS-SCI Clearance

Position Description

Black Sea is a premier naval technology firm enabling asymmetric strategies so U.S. Naval and military forces can prevail over the next several decades. Our portfolio includes unmanned surface, aerial, and underwater vehicles. We have openings for software engineers with various levels of experience in the programming of autonomous systems.

The successful candidate must have:

• Demonstrated full-lifecycle software development experience in either C++ as well as experience with Python and Java
• A bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related technical field, such as robotics, physics, or mathematics
• Two+ years of software development expertise
• A passion about software design, software engineering, and developing groundbreaking tools for autonomous platforms
• Strong organization and planning skills, with record of accomplishment in a team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Ability and willingness to receive and maintain a US Government security clearance

The ideal candidate should also have one or more of the following:

• A master’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related technical field
• Experience in the development and implementation of closed loop control systems
• Experience in the practical implementation of machine learning
• Experience in developing simulation-based test and evaluation software
• Experience in developing and integrating autonomous maritime systems
• Experience or willingness to work in a rapid prototyping and testing environment
• Small to medium project management experience
• An existing US Government security clearance
• Technical curiosity and the desire to conceptualize, design, build and test a wide range of ever‑evolving projects being implemented from the seafloor to aerospace systems

An ability to travel on an occasional basis. The expected level of travel would be roughly 30 days per year, subject to increase or decrease depending upon business needs. Applicants should be able to board and traverse boats and ships.

The employee in this position may be responsible for performing the following tasks -

• Solve straightforward technical problems independently
• Solve complex technical problems with advice and guidance from Principal Engineers when necessary
• Manage small to medium-sized projects
• Move freely between first principles analysis and complex software “canned” solution analysis. Has a strong understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each and knows when and where to use them.
• Maintain an intuition of when a technical problem is converging in a positive spiral and recognize when to change approach for improved results
• Develop design data ranging from system descriptions / one‑lines, technical reports, and customer presentations

• Plan, review, and control the execution of all levels of project elements including technical execution, scope control, budgets, and schedules
• Coordinate project‑level work efforts within Black Sea
• Work with project sponsor representatives to meet their expectations and to limit scope creep and other external factors
• Work with sponsors to develop follow on and new efforts that are mutually beneficial

• Coordinate with Program Managers to pursue projects that are strategic in producing improved Black Sea capabilities
• Lead teams in proposal writing and contract negotiation efforts
• Develop technical approaches and budget and schedule estimates for solicitations under consideration

Black Sea is seeking long‑term employees who are looking for a career growth path with the company and are willing to take on a diverse set of engineering challenges. The job offers opportunities to hone your skills and expand them to additional technical areas and be part of a fast‑moving, energetic, closely‑knit team.

Job Type: Full‑time

Work Location:

Primarily on‑site in Ballston, VA. Hybrid work schedules can be accommodated depending on the flexibility of the project and client.

Salary: $ - $ per year dependent on experience and qualifications

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision Insurance