Forward Deployed Engineer

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous PTO and Holidays

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Competitive Salary

Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Free lunch benefit

Unlimited drinks and snacks

Job summary

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard seeks a Forward Deployed Engineer in San Diego, California. This role focuses on integrating and improving autonomous systems in real environments, requiring strong software development skills, familiarity with robotics, and networking protocols. You will lead the deployment and testing of ASV software and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities. The position offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plan, and stock options.

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering skills with experience in relevant programming languages.
• Background in robotics or autonomy, particularly in maritime applications.
• Ability to diagnose and debug complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine software for autonomy and networking.
• Deploy and test software in real-world scenarios.
• Analyze mission performance data to drive improvements.
• Integrate new autonomy features with vessel hardware.
• Work closely with operators to adapt technology.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Software engineering skills

Experience in C++, Rust, Python

Understanding of networking protocols

Experience with sensors (cameras, radar, GPS)

Ability to troubleshoot complex systems

Dynamic work adaptability

Travel capability (up to 50%)

Education

Background in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems

Tools

Experience with distributed systems

Familiarity with motion planning and control algorithms

Job description

Forward Deployed Engineer

Location: San Diego, California, United States

We are seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer who will be at the forefront of integrating, deploying, and improving our autonomous systems in real‑world environments. You will work hands‑on with software, networking, and autonomy, ensuring our autonomous service vessels perform reliably in operational settings. This role blends software development, field deployment, and problem‑solving to ensure our technology delivers real mission impact.

You will be deeply engaged in debugging and optimizing autonomy algorithms, refining system performance based on real‑world data, and working closely with end‑users to adapt our technology to mission needs. Whether troubleshooting networking issues, improving sensor integration, or refining control logic, you will play a critical role in making our systems more capable and reliable.

You will be the link between groundbreaking autonomy technology and real‑world success. You will work on the front lines of maritime autonomy, ensuring our systems operate effectively in the environments where they matter most. You will impact mission success and shape the future of autonomous maritime operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine software for autonomy, networking, and mission execution, improving system performance in real‑world maritime conditions
• Deploy and test ASV software in the field, identifying and resolving issues related to autonomy, perception, and control systems
• Analyze performance data from real‑world missions, using insights to drive software improvements and optimize system behavior
• Integrate and validate new autonomy features, ensuring seamless interaction between software, sensors, and vessel hardware
• Work directly with operators and end‑users, gathering feedback and adapting the system to operational requirements
• Troubleshoot and resolve software, hardware, and networking issues that arise during deployments
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including autonomy engineers, hardware developers, and field operations personnel, to enhance product capabilities
• Document best practices, deployment procedures, and debugging workflows to improve system reliability and scalability

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering skills, with experience in C++, Rust, Python, or similar languages
• Background in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems, particularly in maritime, aerospace, or defense applications
• Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message‑passing frameworks
• Experience working with sensors such as cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs, especially in perception‑driven autonomy applications
• Ability to diagnose and debug complex systems, from low‑level networking issues to high‑level autonomy behaviors
• Ability to work in dynamic environments, where software must adapt to real‑world constraints and unpredictable conditions
• Willingness to travel (up to 50%), spending time in the field testing and improving ASV systems in real‑world maritime settings
• Experience developing autonomy software for real‑world robotic systems, particularly in challenging environments like the ocean
• Familiarity with motion planning, behavior trees, and control algorithms for autonomous navigation
• Background in maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technology
• Knowledge of distributed autonomy architectures and multi‑agent coordination
• Hands‑on experience integrating and deploying robotic systems in the field

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry‑standard salaries with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

This role requires access to export‑controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).