Staff Forward Deployed Engineer
Austin, Texas
Software /
Full Time /
On-site
Job Overview
We are seeking a Staff Forward Deployed Engineer who will be at the forefront of integrating, deploying, and improving our autonomous systems in real-world environments. You will work hands-on with software, networking, and autonomy, ensuring our autonomous service vessels perform reliably in operational settings. This role blends software development, field deployment, and problem-solving to ensure our technology delivers real mission impact.
You will be deeply engaged in debugging and optimizing autonomy algorithms, refining system performance based on real-world data, and working closely with end-users to adapt our technology to mission needs. Whether troubleshooting networking issues, improving sensor integration, or refining control logic, you will play a critical role in making our systems more capable and reliable.
You will be the link between groundbreaking autonomy technology and real-world success. You will work on the front lines of maritime autonomy, ensuring our systems operate effectively in the environments where they matter most. You will impact mission success and shape the future of autonomous maritime operations.
Responsibilities
- Architect and lead the development of autonomy, networking, and mission execution software, setting technical direction and ensuring performance and reliability in real-world maritime operations
- Drive field testing campaigns, overseeing the deployment of ASV systems, leading root cause analysis of autonomy, perception, and control issues, and guiding cross-functional resolution strategies
- Lead performance analysis efforts, using data from fielded systems to inform architecture decisions and prioritize software improvements with the highest operational impact
- Own the integration of new autonomy capabilities, ensuring system-wide compatibility and defining interfaces between software, sensing, and hardware subsystems
- Serve as a technical liaison with operators and mission stakeholders, translating operational feedback into actionable technical requirements and shaping roadmap priorities
- Guide the resolution of complex field issues, drawing from expertise across software, hardware, and networking layers to improve system robustness and deployment readiness
- Mentor and influence engineering teams, facilitating cross-functional collaboration across autonomy, hardware, and field operations to align technical execution with product goals
- Define and codify engineering best practices, creating reusable tools, documentation, and scalable workflows to support long-term system maintainability and operational reliability
Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience developing software for autonomous or robotic systems, with demonstrated ownership of complex, mission-critical features across multiple deployments
- Advanced proficiency in modern systems programming languages such as C++, Rust, and Python, with a focus on architecting high-performance, maintainable software for autonomy applications
- Deep expertise in robotics, autonomy, and embedded systems, particularly within high-consequence domains such as maritime, aerospace, or defense
- Strong command of networking and distributed systems, including experience architecting reliable communication frameworks using TCP/IP, UDP, DDS, or ROS 2
- Extensive hands-on experience with perception systems, integrating and calibrating sensors like cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs for real-time autonomous decision-making
- Proven ability to debug and resolve highly complex, cross-domain issues, from embedded firmware to autonomy stack behavior under operational conditions
- Track record of delivering autonomy software for real-world robotic platforms, especially in uncertain, dynamic, and communication-constrained environments such as open-ocean deployments
- Expertise in autonomous navigation concepts, including motion planning, behavior trees, hybrid autonomy, and control theory, with the ability to evaluate and improve algorithms at the systems level
- Familiarity with distributed autonomy and multi-agent coordination, with experience designing or contributing to collaborative behaviors in fielded systems
- Experience working at the interface of engineering and operations, translating real-world mission needs into robust, scalable technical solutions
- Domain fluency in maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technologies, with an understanding of platform constraints, CONOPS, and operational integration
- Leadership in field integration and system validation, including mentoring junior engineers and defining best practices for deployment, troubleshooting, and sustained autonomy performance
- Willingness to travel (up to 50%), serving as a senior technical presence in the field to lead testing, integration, and operational support of ASV systems
Benefits
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
- Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Occasional standing and walking within the office
- Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
- Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
- Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
- Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
