Forward Deployed Engineer

Sitreps; Orlando, Ketchum (FL, ID); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation for all employees

Performance bonuses primarily awarded as equity

Job summary

Sitreps is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to ensure autonomous ground vehicle systems perform well in real-world conditions. The role involves deploying systems, troubleshooting across hardware and software, and engaging closely with customers. Candidates should have a strong tech background and be prepared for significant travel (~75%). The position is primarily based in Orlando, FL, with equity and performance bonuses available as part of the compensation package.

Qualifications

• Strong technical foundation across hardware and software systems.
• Comfortable with hands-on vehicle maintenance and repair.
• Experience with CLI, log analysis, networking, and communications troubleshooting.
• Ability to debug software deployments without writing production code.
• Willingness to travel extensively (~75%).
• Comfort working in physically demanding conditions.

Responsibilities

• Deploy robotic ground systems to various locations.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues comprehensively.
• Provide diagnostics to engineering teams.
• Proactively identify and resolve customer-impacting issues.
• Train customer operators on new capabilities.

Skills

Technical foundation across hardware and software systems

Hands-on vehicle maintenance and repair

CLI and log analysis

Networking and communications troubleshooting

Problem-solving in ambiguous environments

Job description

Industry: Defense robotics / autonomous ground systems Location: Maryland HQ preferred. Also open to Ketchum (ID), Palo Alto (CA), Orlando (FL), West Virginia, and Boston Compensation: $135,000–$165,000 base + equity Travel: ~75% (expected to decrease as the team scales)

About the Company

A venture‑backed robotics company building autonomous ground vehicle systems for defense customers. Their platforms combine an autonomy stack, operator‑control software, and integrated mission payloads.

Programs are rapidly transitioning from experimental phases into real‑world deployment, placing this role at the center of that shift.

The Role

Forward Deployed Engineers are the company’s tip of the spear in the field. You will act as a technical operator, ensuring systems function in real‑world conditions that often go beyond documented scenarios. This role is closer to a Palantir‑style FDE than a traditional field service representative. You are not just executing checklists—you are a generalist engineer working hands‑on in dynamic environments.

You will operate at the intersection of engineering and end users, supporting customers who are eager to adopt new capabilities as soon as they are ready.

Responsibilities

• Deploy integrated robotic ground systems to test sites, training centers, and forward operating locations
• Troubleshoot across the full stack: hardware, autonomy software, networking, communications, and operator‑control systems
• Pull logs via command line, reproduce issues, and provide clear diagnostics to engineering teams
• Proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact the customer
• Document solutions to prevent recurrence
• Train and support customer operators on new capabilities
• Build strong relationships with field units and earn their trust

Qualifications

• Strong technical foundation across both hardware and software systems
• Comfortable with hands‑on vehicle maintenance and repair
• Experience working with CLI, log analysis, networking, and communications troubleshooting
• Ability to debug software deployments without needing to write production code
• Willingness to travel extensively (~75%), including extended stays in remote or challenging environments
• Comfort working in physically demanding conditions (Type 2 fun)
• Strong mission orientation and commitment to end users
• Bias toward action and problem‑solving in ambiguous environments

Nice to Have

• Experience as a Forward Deployed Engineer at a software‑forward defense or dual‑use company
• Experience within government innovation organizations (DEVCOM, DIU, service‑level innovation offices)
• Background as a Field Service Representative with added software/networking expertise
• Military experience (valued but not required)

Deployment Locations

Stateside: Fort Drum, Fort Bragg, Fort Polk, NTC / Fort Irwin, 29 Palms, Camp Lejeune, White Sands, Aberdeen, Grayling (MI), and others.

International: Eastern Europe, supporting Ukrainian forces with system upgrades, repairs, and maintenance (behind the front lines).

Location & Work Setup

Maryland HQ is the preferred location and serves as the engineering hub. Other offices include Ketchum (ID), Palo Alto (CA), Orlando (FL), West Virginia, with a Boston office opening soon. Strong remote candidates will be considered.

Benefits

• Equity participation for all employees
• Performance bonuses primarily awarded as equity

Success Metrics (6 months)

• Deep understanding of the system, mission, and user
• Trusted by customers in the field
• Proactively identifying and resolving issues
• Delivering clear feedback to engineering that improves future releases