Job Overview

We are seeking a Forward Deployed Software 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

• Develop and refine software for autonomy, networking, and mission execution, improving system performance in real-world maritime conditions

• Deploy and test ASV software in the field, identifying and resolving issues related to autonomy, perception, and control systems

• Analyze performance data from real-world missions, using insights to drive software improvements and optimize system behavior

• Integrate and validate new autonomy features, ensuring seamless interaction between software, sensors, and vessel hardware

• Work directly with operators and end-users, gathering feedback and adapting the system to operational requirements

• Troubleshoot and resolve software, hardware, and networking issues that arise during deployments

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including autonomy engineers, hardware developers, and field operations personnel, to enhance product capabilities

• Document best practices, deployment procedures, and debugging workflows to improve system reliability and scalability

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering skills, with experience in C++, Rust, Python, or similar languages

• Background in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems, particularly in maritime, aerospace, or defense applications

• Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworks

• Experience working with sensors such as cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs, especially in perception-driven autonomy applications

• Ability to diagnose and debug complex systems, from low-level networking issues to high-level autonomy behaviors

• Ability to work in dynamic environments, where software must adapt to real-world constraints and unpredictable conditions

• Willingness to travel (up to 50%), spending time in the field testing and improving ASV systems in real-world maritime settings

• Experience developing autonomy software for real-world robotic systems, particularly in challenging environments like the ocean

• Familiarity with motion planning, behavior trees, and control algorithms for autonomous navigation

• Background in maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technology

• Knowledge of distributed autonomy architectures and multi-agent coordination

• Hands-on experience integrating and deploying robotic systems in the field

This Role Is For You If:

• You’re a software engineer who wants to see your code leave the repo and run on real vessels, in real missions

• You enjoy tackling integration and deployment challenges where things don’t always go as planned

• You’re comfortable stepping in as the technical expert on-site and working through complex issues independently

• You can take a loosely defined customer need and turn it into something that works in practice

• You like working directly with users, but prefer solving problems through code rather than slides

This Role Is NOT:

• A pilot or flight test engineering position — you’ll be enabling the mission, not flying it

• A primarily hands-on hardware role (electronics, wiring, mechanical assembly), though you may occasionally pitch in

• A job with fully predictable schedules — priorities can shift with demos, weather, and mission needs

• A traditional SRE/DevOps role based entirely in an office — this role includes time in the field

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

• 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)