Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Overland AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans

Flexible PTO

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Job summary

Dormont Manufacturing Co is looking for a field-forward Hardware Engineer in Washington State to deploy and maintain autonomous ground vehicle platforms. This role involves hands-on troubleshooting and ensuring that systems are mission-ready in various environments.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience, with proven hands-on vehicle experience and a strong mechanical intuition. The position offers a salary range of $120K to $150K, along with equity compensation and best-in-class healthcare.

Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of equivalent work experience can substitute for degree.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.
• Experience with uncrewed systems and robotics software.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and test autonomous vehicles in real-world environments.
• Perform maintenance and repair of vehicle systems.
• Document field performance and recommend improvements.

Skills

Hands-on experience with vehicles or complex hardware systems

Mechanical engineering intuition

Proficiency in robotics, sensors, and embedded systems

Comfort with electrical systems

Experience with programming languages such as Python or C++

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar technical field

Tools

ROS

LIDAR

Job description

About Overland AI

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.

Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.

Role Summary

We are looking for a field-forward Hardware Engineer to deploy, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and train end users on autonomous ground‑vehicle platforms in real operational environments. This role is for someone who is most comfortable hands‑on with vehicles, thrives in the field, and knows how to keep machines running when conditions are far from ideal.

This is not a desk job. You will spend significant time deployed at test sites, customer locations, and operational events, working directly on vehicles, diagnosing issues, making repairs, and ensuring systems are mission‑ready.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and Field‑Test Systems: Deploy and test autonomous vehicles and their payloads in real‑world environments. When not traveling, you will be supporting payload integration and vehicle field testing between our Seattle and Central Washington State locations.
• Sustain: Perform hands‑on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of vehicle systems including electronics, sensors, wiring, power, networking, and mechanical interfaces. Diagnose failures under time pressure and in resource‑constrained environments, then implement practical fixes to keep vehicles operational.
• Develop and Iterate: Contribute to hardware/software integration and enhancements, leveraging user feedback to improve autonomy capabilities.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with engineers and program managers to ensure seamless deployment and alignment with end‑user needs.
• Document and Analyze: Maintain detailed records of field performance, documenting lessons learned and recommending improvements.
• Train and Support Users: Provide on‑site training and support to end users/operators on system usage, maintenance, and safety. Help ensure operational readiness before and during field deployment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a similar technical field, or 5 to 8 years of equivalent work experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Proven hands‑on experience working with vehicles or complex hardware systems.
• Strong mechanical engineering intuition and the ability to work in ambiguous environments.
• Proficiency in one or more of robotics, sensors, networking, embedded systems, electronics, off‑road vehicle operations and maintenance.
• Comfort working with electrical systems, sensors, wiring, connectors, and power systems.
• Experience with uncrewed systems and robotics software (e.g., ROS, CAN, drive‑by‑wire systems).
• Familiarity with autonomous system sensors (LIDAR, cameras).
• Experience with programming languages such as Python or C++ is a plus.
• Knowledge of field‑testing protocols and safety‑critical environments.
• Ability to operate and problem‑solve independently in challenging conditions, including adverse weather and remote locations.
• Thrive in dynamic, cross‑functional teams and small startup environments.
• Experience deploying hardware and software in defense technology, deep tech, or start‑up environments.
• Prior experience supporting hardware during live demos, tests, or operational events.
• Willingness to co‑locate at testing sites or military installations for extended periods, both CONUS and OCONUS.

Location

This position is located in Washington State. When not traveling, expect to be working out of our Central Washington State test site and/or in our Seattle locations. Frequent, extended travel expected (>50%).

Benefits

Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day.

• The salary range for this position is $120K to $150K annually
• Equity compensation
• Best‑in‑class healthcare, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible PTO
• 401(k) with company match
• Parental leave

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This position may involve access to export‑controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [HR email] to request an accommodation.