Field Deployment Engineer - Drone Systems & Autopilots

Theseus; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Theseus is seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to own deployment of our defense-grade drone software onto commercial and government platforms. You’ll work at the intersection of software, integration, testing, and field operations, collaborating with operators and partner teams to ensure reliable, real-world performance.

You should be hands-on with ArduPilot-based systems, Python and C++ coding, and travel frequently to support deployments, including international environments.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with ArduPilot and real drone integration.
• Programming in Python and/or C++ for tooling, debugging, and deployment workflows.
• Strong ownership and bias for action in real-world constraints.
• Ability to work directly with operators/partners and communicate in fast-moving environments.
• Willingness to travel frequently, including to Ukraine and forward deployed environments.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end deployment of Theseus systems in operational environments, from initial integration through operator handoff and sustained field performance.
• Integrate Theseus software onto drone platforms using ArduPilot-based systems.
• Write and modify Python and C++ code to support integrations, tooling, debugging, and deployment workflows.
• Bring up, test, and troubleshoot full systems across autopilot, compute, sensors, networking, telemetry, and operator interfaces.
• Work directly with operators and partner teams to understand mission requirements, support field deployments, and adapt systems to real operational constraints.
• Train operators and partners on deployment, troubleshooting, and best practices in the field.
• Debug issues in real conditions and rapidly turn field feedback into fixes, product improvements, and more repeatable deployment workflows.
• Travel as needed, including to Ukraine and other forward deployed operational environments.

Skills

ArduPilot expertise

Python

C++

Field deployment

Autopilot integration

Tools

MAVLink

PX4

Telemetry systems

Job description

Theseus is seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to own deployment of our defense-grade drone software onto commercial and government platforms. You’ll work at the intersection of software, integration, testing, and field operations, collaborating with operators and partner teams to ensure reliable, real-world performance.

You should be hands-on with ArduPilot-based systems, Python and C++ coding, and travel frequently to support deployments, including international environments.