Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

Mach-Industries; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Health insurance

Retirement plan benefits

Job summary

Mach Industries seeks a Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer (FDASE) to support integration, testing, deployment, and operation of autonomous aircraft and systems. You will work across avionics, flight controls, sensors, and ground systems to prepare vehicles for test and deployment.

You will execute procedures, troubleshoot field issues, maintain equipment, and communicate findings to engineering teams. Travel for multi‑day deployments and customer demonstrations is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in robotics, aerospace, electrical, mechanical, CS or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Fundamental understanding of unmanned aircraft systems or other electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with flight-control concepts and autopilot ecosystems (PX4/ArduPilot).
• Experience using a ground‑control app like QGroundControl or Mission Planner.

Responsibilities

• Configure, inspect, test, and operate autonomous vehicles and equipment per procedures.
• Conduct checkouts and preflight activities for aircraft and ground systems.
• Verify mission packouts and maintain tool/equipment accountability.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and field‑level troubleshooting.
• Support mission planning and flight tests and customer demonstrations.
• Provide feedback to engineering teams based on field experience.

Skills

Robotics fundamentals

Aerospace concepts

Flight-control knowledge

Ground-control applications

Soldering & electronics

Git or version control

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Field deployment experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent

Tools

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Job description

Huntington Beach, California, United States

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, 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 350 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 (FDASE) to support the integration, testing, deployment, and operation of autonomous aircraft and their supporting systems. This is a hands‑on engineering role for someone who enjoys working directly with hardware, troubleshooting complex systems, and operating in dynamic field environments.

You will work across avionics, communications, flight controls, sensors, ground‑control systems, and support equipment to prepare vehicles for test and deployment. You will execute approved procedures, identify and elevate technical issues, maintain equipment, and provide clear feedback to the engineering teams responsible for improving our systems.

As you grow in the role, you may take ownership of mission planning, checklist development, customer and range coordination, training, and routine deployments. This is not primarily a pilot role; success requires technical ownership, disciplined execution, sound field judgment, and the ability to translate operational experience into better products and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Configure, inspect, test, and operate autonomous vehicles and supporting equipment in accordance with approved procedures and checklists
• Conduct checkouts, and preflight activities for aircraft and ground systems
• Verify mission packouts and maintain accountability for tools, equipment, spares, and support systems
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and field‑level troubleshooting
• Identify, document, and elevate technical issues to the appropriate engineering teams
• Support mission planning, test preparation, and execution for flight tests and customer demonstrations
• Contribute to vehicle checklists, procedures, and continuous process improvements
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering teams based on test and field experience
• Participate in multi‑day field deployments, flight tests, and demonstrations
• Support the integration and troubleshooting of avionics, communications systems, sensors, companion computers, and flight‑control systems
• Maintain accurate operational records and help ensure vehicles and support equipment remain deployment‑ready
• Work effectively across engineering, flight test, manufacturing, logistics, and program teams

Depending on experience and seniority, additional responsibilities may include:

• Lead mission planning and routine field deployments
• Lead checklist development and configuration‑control efforts
• Coordinate directly with military ranges, customers, and government sponsors
• Serve as an avionics or vehicle‑operations subject‑matter expert
• Support initial flights and fielding of new vehicle configurations
• Define deployment packouts and equipment requirements
• Develop or contribute to operator training manuals
• Train and mentor new Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers
• Own assigned portions of flight‑readiness reviews

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in robotics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another relevant STEM discipline; or equivalent hands‑on technical experience
• Fundamental understanding of unmanned aircraft systems, robotics, or other integrated electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with flight‑control concepts and common autopilot ecosystems such as PX4 or ArduPilot
• Experience using a ground‑control application such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner
• Basic networking and radio‑frequency fundamentals
• Ability to perform basic electrical troubleshooting and soldering
• Familiarity with Git or another version‑control system
• Ability to interpret, execute, and help improve technical checklists and procedures
• Strong attention to detail, personal accountability, and sound technical judgment
• Ability to communicate technical problems clearly and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Ability to travel frequently and support multi‑day deployments in field conditions
• Ability to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Ability to meet any security, export‑control, or customer‑access requirements associated with the role

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating, integrating, or maintaining unmanned aircraft or robotic systems
• Experience supporting Department of Defense tests, demonstrations, or operational deployments
• Experience with international demonstrations or field deployments
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Rust, Bash, or another applicable programming or scripting language
• Experience analyzing system logs and performing structured root‑cause analysis
• Experience troubleshooting radio‑frequency systems or integrating MIMO, mesh, or other tactical communications systems
• Experience integrating sensors, avionics, companion computers, or embedded systems
• Familiarity with Arduino or similar embedded development platforms
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop, software‑in‑the‑loop, or iron‑bird test environments
• Experience with high‑speed cameras or other specialized test instrumentation
• Experience supporting the first flight of a new aircraft or vehicle configuration
• Understanding of subsystem interactions across avionics, communications, flight controls, payloads, and ground systems
• Experience preparing or presenting material for flight‑readiness reviews
• Experience coordinating directly with military ranges, government customers, or program sponsors

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

$105,000 - $140,000 USD

$140,000 - $180,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance‑Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win‑win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long‑term success.

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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.