Distributed Communications Network Engineer

HavocAI; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative defense technology company is seeking a skilled Embedded Systems & Network Engineer to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize onboard software and networking stacks for uncrewed surface vessels. You'll collaborate closely with autonomy, hardware, and cloud teams to ensure robust communication across various interfaces. This position offers the chance to work in a creative and energetic environment, contributing to cutting-edge maritime robotics technology. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to tackle complex challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

100% Employer paid Health Insurance

100% Employer paid Dental Insurance

100% Employer paid Vision Insurance

401k participation

Unlimited PTO policy

Generous Equity Package

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in C++ and hands-on experience with ROS2.
• Familiarity with MQTT and networking protocols is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain embedded software for Linux-based systems.
• Design and optimize IP-based mesh radio networks for communication.

Skills

C++

ROS2

MQTT

Networking

Systems Integration

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering

BS/MS in Computer Engineering

BS/MS in Computer Science

Tools

Git

Docker

CI/CD pipelines

CMake

Job description

About Us:

HavocAI is an innovative defense technology company making scalable maritime autonomy a reality. We are pioneering an end-to-end solution for planning, tasking and control of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). As we continue to quickly grow, we are looking for motivated individuals that are inspired to work within an extremely energetic, creative, and innovative team that is passionate about maritime robotics and exploring the open ocean. We work in a highly dynamic environment where collaboration and idea sharing are a way of life. We are looking for a skilled Mechanical Engineer who will participate on all product stages from research and development to design and manufacture, through to installation and final commissioning.

About the Role:

As an Embedded Systems & Network Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the onboard software and networking stack. You will work closely with our autonomy, hardware, and cloud teams to ensure our vessels maintain robust communication across various network interfaces—Starlink, IP-based mesh radios, and more. This role requires hands-on experience with C++, ROS2, MQTT, and embedded Linux, as well as a solid understanding of networking fundamentals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Embedded System Development
  • Develop, port, and maintain embedded software in C++ for Linux-based systems.
  • Integrate communication hardware into a cohesive architecture.
  • Ensure real-time performance, reliability, and safety in challenging marine conditions.
• Network Architecture & Implementation
  • Design, implement, and optimize IP-based mesh radio networks for vessel-to-vessel communication.
  • Configure and manage network failover between Starlink, mesh radios, and other communication channels.
  • Conduct network performance testing, latency analysis, and troubleshooting to guarantee reliability.
• ROS2 & Middleware
  • Develop and maintain ROS2 nodes and packages that interface with onboard hardware and remote services.
  • Integrate MQTT brokers/clients for teleoperation, data streaming, and sensor fusion.
  • Implement robust messaging architectures to ensure consistency and real-time data availability across distributed systems.
• Systems Integration & Testing
  • Work alongside hardware engineers to bring up new boards and communication modules.
  • Perform system-level testing, debug complex hardware/software interactions, and document findings.
  • Support field deployments, including on-site troubleshooting of embedded systems and networking issues.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements, propose solutions, and deliver iterative improvements.
  • Suggest best practices for embedded software design, build workflows, and version control.
  • Drive adoption of new technologies, frameworks, and processes that enhance system reliability and performance.

Qualifications:

• Programming: Strong proficiency in C++.
• ROS2: Hands-on experience creating, debugging, and deploying ROS2 nodes/packages.
• MQTT & Networking: Proven experience with MQTT and IP-based communication protocols. Experience with mesh networking is highly desired.
• Systems Integration: Familiarity with hardware bring-up, device drivers, and low-level debugging (e.g., UART, I2C, SPI).
• Tools & Frameworks: Comfortable with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and build systems (CMake, etc.).
• Problem-Solving: Ability to debug complex software/hardware interactions and resolve performance bottlenecks.
• Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Nice-to-Have: Experience with marine robotics, Docker containers, or cloud orchestration tools.
• Education: BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance (if needed).

Location:

• This position can be fully remote.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The target salary range for this position is $120,000 - 180,000
  • Salary is dependent on experience level.
• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families.
• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program.
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum.
• Generous Equity Package.

Our Values:

• Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.
• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.
• Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.
• Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.
• Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.
• Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it's supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, Veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team.