Chief Autonomy Software Engineer

Salary: $222000 - 300000 per year Requirements: We require a bachelors degree or equivalent. We require an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, with U.S. citizenship required. We require 14 years of software engineering experience. We require at least 2 years of experience modeling defense aircraft subsystems such as sensors, communications, or stores management. We require at least 2 years of experience with AFSIM and/or NGTS. We require at least 2 years of experience supporting flight testing and/or live aerospace demonstrations. We require 6+ years of technical leadership experience. We require U.S. export control eligibility as a U.S. Person. We do not offer visa sponsorship for this role. Responsibilities: We serve as the single technical authority for autonomy flight and simulation software architecture, interfaces, and shared infrastructure across our autonomy portfolio. We set technical direction for reusable autonomy software from simulation through flight demonstration and oversee standards-based interfaces, toolchains, and shared infrastructure investments. We promote software reuse across programs and platforms to shorten integration timelines, reduce non-recurring engineering, and strengthen flight readiness. We coordinate closely across Phantom Works, test organizations, and partner groups to align simulation, test, and flight software development. We lead technical execution for high-visibility demonstrations and fleet exercises, including multi-vehicle UAV and surrogate operations. We prioritize portfolio-level investments in shared flight and simulation software and accept technical risk on behalf of the portfolio. We ensure compatibility and readiness across virtual, hardware-in-the-loop, surrogate, and in-flight environments. We manage the day-to-day technical direction of a team of 10 engineers, mentor early-career talent, and reinforce engineering best practices. We establish and continuously improve software workflows, change control, security processes, and software assurance across the portfolio. We work with customers, program leadership, software teams, and flight/test organizations to support integration labs, test assets, and flight test planning and execution. Technologies: Hardware Support Security Architect CI/CD Cloud DevSecOps Git Linux Python Windows More: We are Meridian Softworks, and our Phantom Works team in Hazelwood, Missouri, focuses on turning bold ideas into advanced defense capabilities through collaboration, rigorous testing, and engineering excellence. In this chief engineer role, you will lead reusable autonomy software development that bridges simulation and real flight, supporting mission-critical demonstrations and shaping our autonomy future. We offer relocation for eligible candidates, a competitive total rewards package, potential variable compensation, a summary pay range of $198,050 to $267,950 for senior-level candidates, and a possible signing bonus for eligible external hires. The role includes first-shift work, about 10% travel, and participation in our drug-free workplace, conflict-of-interest review, and technical assessment process. last updated 28 week of 2026