[Hiring] Forward Deployed Autonomy Engineer @Defense Unicorns

Role Description

We are seeking a skilled and adaptable Forward-Deployed Autonomy Engineer to provide direct technical support to our Peat and UDS teams operating in dynamic, field-based environments. In this role, you will be embedded alongside mission heroes during integration events, exercises, and operational demonstrations, working shoulder-to-shoulder with other engineers to ensure success.

This role requires a strong software engineering background paired with hands-on experience in autonomous systems, distributed architectures, and tactical communications. You will be a critical technical resource in the field — diagnosing issues under pressure, integrating systems across platforms, and enabling the effective deployment of robotics and drone technologies in complex, real-world environments.

You will work closely with customer engineering teams, program leads, and cross-functional internal stakeholders to ensure our autonomy solutions perform reliably and meet mission objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site technical support at customer sites, integration events, field exercises, and demonstrations involving autonomous systems (robots and drones)
• Develop, integrate, and troubleshoot software components across distributed systems and autonomy platforms
• Support the design, configuration, and maintenance of communications infrastructure used in field deployments
• Assist in the integration and operation of command and control (C2) systems in tactical and semi-tactical environments
• Diagnose and resolve complex software, hardware, and system-level issues in time-sensitive field conditions
• Collaborate with customer engineering teams and internal engineers to achieve integration milestones and exercise objectives
• Document field findings, issues, and resolutions to support continuous improvement of product reliability and deployment readiness
• Provide feedback to internal product and engineering teams based on field observations to drive improvements
• Support pre-deployment testing and validation activities to ensure systems are field-ready
• Serve as a trusted technical representative of the company in customer-facing settings, maintaining professional relationships with defense stakeholders
• Participate in after-action reviews and contribute to lessons-learned processes following integration events and exercises
• Adapt quickly to evolving mission requirements and operational constraints in the field

Travel Expectations/Requirements

• Travel: Up to 25-50%, including domestic and international travel to customer sites, test ranges, and exercise locations.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of software engineering experience, with demonstrated experience in distributed systems and/or autonomous platforms
• Hands-on experience with robotics and/or unmanned systems (ground robots, drones/UAS)
• Experience working with communications infrastructure in field or tactical environments (mesh networks, RF communications, data links, etc.)
• Familiarity with command and control (C2) systems and integration patterns
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across the full stack — software, interfaces, and system-level interactions
• Experience working in fast-paced, field-based environments where adaptability and composure under pressure are essential
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical defense customers
• Proficiency in one or more relevant languages/frameworks (Python, C++, ROS/ROS2, etc.)
• Comfortable operating in austere or field environments for extended periods
• Active security clearance (Secret or higher) or ability to obtain one
• Background in defense programs, DoD acquisition, or working directly with military end users
• Experience with DevSecOps principles and secure software delivery pipelines
• Familiarity with ATAK, MAVC, or other tactical software platforms
• Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, AirSim, etc.) for pre-deployment testing
• Contributions to open-source robotics or autonomy projects, ROS2, or MAVLink
• Familiarity with STANAG, JAUS, or other relevant defense interoperability standards

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision - Premiums are 100% Company Paid
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company Stock Options
• Home Office Budget
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) plus all Federal Holidays, one week for Thanksgiving, and two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s
• Paid Parental Leave
• Reimbursement for approved trainings/subscriptions
• Conferences (travel, lodging, and fees)