Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

A cutting-edge defense technology company is seeking a Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer to conduct hands-on testing of autonomous aerial platforms. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience with open-source flight control systems, be able to diagnose complex issues, and be willing to travel frequently. This role emphasizes technical ownership and collaboration with engineering teams to ensure operational readiness. The company's mission is to innovate in defense technology and enhance national security.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with open-source flight control systems like PX4 or Ardupilot.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve issues spanning hardware and software.
• Willingness to travel over 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Execute flight and ground testing of autonomous aerial systems.
• Collaborate with engineering to plan and execute test activities.
• Collect and analyze telemetry and performance data.

Skills

Open-source flight control systems

Diagnosing system-level issues

Linux-based systems

Clear communication skills

Tools

PX4

Ardupilot

Job description

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries is seeking a Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer to operate, test, and iterate on autonomous aerial platforms in real-world environments. This is not a traditional aviation or pilot role. Success in this position is defined by technical ownership, system learning, and rapid iteration—not flight hours or formal aviation credentials.

You will work hands-on with evolving prototype systems, frequently in the field, embedded with engineering teams to identify failures, validate fixes, and push systems toward operational readiness. This role sits at the boundary between engineering and operations and requires comfort with ambiguity, incomplete systems, and fast feedback loops. This role partners with Flight Test Engineers to translate test objectives and measures of performance into executable system behavior.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute flight and ground testing of developmental and production autonomous aerial systems in controlled and field environments.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to plan and execute test activities, identify failures, and drive system improvements.
• Diagnose and resolve system-level issues spanning hardware, software, communications, and autonomy during testing.
• Configure, modify, and validate flight control software, autonomy behaviors, and system parameters in support of test objectives.
• Assess system readiness through pre-flight, post-flight, and health checks, and determine go/no-go conditions for testing.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate telemetry, logs, and performance data to inform rapid design iteration.
• Integrate and evaluate new payloads, sensors, and system configurations.
• Support frequent field testing and demonstration events, operating in austere environments with significant travel.
• Develop and refine test procedures, safety practices, and operational documentation for experimental systems.
• Close the loop between field testing and manufacturing by identifying build, assembly, and reliability issues and communicating actionable feedback to manufacturing engineers and technicians.

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience working with open‑source flight control systems such as PX4, Ardupilot, or similar architectures, including configuration and tuning.
• Experience operating and evaluating prototype or non‑certified autonomous systems in test or field environments.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve system‑level issues spanning hardware, software, networking, and autonomy.
• Familiarity with Linux‑based systems, command‑line tools, and log/telemetry analysis.
• Strong ability to learn unfamiliar systems quickly through documentation, experimentation, and collaboration.
• Willingness to support irregular schedules driven by test readiness, flight windows, and field constraints.
• Willingness to travel more than 50% of the time.
• Clear communication skills and disciplined attention to safety in experimental environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working directly with engineers to validate fixes and implement rapid design changes in the field.
• 2+ years of experience operating or testing autonomous systems in defense, robotics, or advanced commercial environments.
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Background in robotics, autonomy, aerospace systems, or related technical disciplines.
• Experience supporting field testing at ranges or remote test sites.
• Experience providing test‑driven feedback to manufacturing or production teams on prototype or early‑production hardware.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!