Field Applications Engineer

Linuxcareers; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Relocation assistance

Unlimited PTO

Early equity

Job summary

Linuxcareers seeks a Field Test Engineer to lead live demonstrations of autonomous counter-drone systems in field environments. You will prepare, assemble, and validate complex hardware and edge-compute systems prior to tests and customer demos.

You will calibrate sensors, boresight optics, and orientation, flash software builds, and ensure readiness for field trials. Domestic travel and ITAR compliance are required.

Qualifications

• Experience deploying, operating, or troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems in real-world or live-fire test range environments.
• Practical experience with optical/camera calibration, boresighting, sensor alignment, and field validation techniques.
• Proficiency in Linux command-line environments, firmware/software flashing tools, and basic networking/telemetry debugging.
• Experience with harness assembly, field repair, cable building, and multimeters/oscilloscopes for hardware troubleshooting.
• Willingness to travel to outdoor testing sites and demonstration ranges; comfortable working outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• U.S. citizenship (required for access to ITAR-controlled information); willingness to submit to background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead live, dynamic flight and target-tracking demonstrations of autonomous counter-drone systems in field environments under high-stakes conditions.
• Prepare, assemble, and validate complex autonomous hardware and edge-compute systems prior to field tests and customer demonstrations.
• Perform precise hardware and sensor calibration including boresighting, thermal/EO camera focusing, lens calibration, and multi-sensor orientation alignment.
• Flash latest software builds, test system stability, perform integration tests, and ensure firmware/software readiness for field trials.
• Diagnose and resolve unexpected hardware, software, networking, and sensor issues on the fly during field trials with minimal downtime.
• Serve as the direct link between field operations and R&D, capturing detailed telemetry, edge cases, and user feedback to inform engineering iteration cycles.

Skills

Field testing experience

Outdoor work readiness

Travel willingness

ITAR compliance awareness

Tools

Linux command-line

Firmware flashing tools

Multimeters/oscilloscopes

NVIDIA Jetson (embedded Linux)

Job description

What You'll Do

• Lead live, dynamic flight and target-tracking demonstrations of autonomous counter-drone systems in field environments under high-stakes conditions
• Prepare, assemble, and validate complex autonomous hardware and edge-compute systems prior to field tests and customer demonstrations
• Perform precise hardware and sensor calibration including boresighting, thermal/EO camera focusing, lens calibration, and multi-sensor orientation alignment
• Flash latest software builds, test system stability, perform integration tests, and ensure firmware/software readiness for field trials
• Diagnose and resolve unexpected hardware, software, networking, and sensor issues on the fly during field trials with minimal downtime
• Serve as the direct link between field operations and R&D, capturing detailed telemetry, edge cases, and user feedback to inform engineering iteration cycles

What You Need

• Demonstrated experience deploying, operating, or troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems in real-world or live-fire test range environments
• Practical experience with optical/camera calibration, boresighting, sensor alignment, and field validation techniques
• Proficiency in Linux command-line environments, firmware/software flashing tools, and basic networking/telemetry debugging
• Experience with harness assembly, field repair, cable building, and multimeters/oscilloscopes for hardware troubleshooting
• Willingness to travel to outdoor testing sites and demonstration ranges; comfortable working outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions
• U.S. citizenship (required for access to ITAR-controlled information); willingness to submit to background check

Nice to Have

• Prior experience with robotics, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), counter-UAS (c-UAS), or defense range operations
• Familiarity with thermal/IR optics, RF sensors, or embedded Linux environments such as NVIDIA Jetson
• Prior defense startup experience or military background in range safety and flight test operations
• Security clearance or ability to obtain one
• Passion for building or engineering robotics or electronics as a hobby

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums; 50% of healthcare premiums for dependents; unlimited PTO; meaningful early equity; relocation assistance provided