Forward Deployed Software Engineer
Austin, Texas, United States On-site
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About the role
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. If this role is based in the United States, it 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) .
What you'll bring
- 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