Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Overland AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Best-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans

Flexible PTO

401k with company match

Parental leave

Job summary

A cutting-edge technology company in Seattle is seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to manage autonomous vehicle software systems in real-world environments. This role requires strong skills in Python and C++, and offers the chance to work hands-on with advanced robotics while supporting the mission-critical needs of defense operations. The ideal candidate will thrive in dynamic environments and collaborate with diverse teams to enhance system functionality. The salary ranges from $120K to $200K annually, along with excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.
• Experience deploying systems beyond the lab.

Responsibilities

• Deploy autonomy software on uncrewed ground vehicles.
• Debug and resolve software integration issues.
• Contribute to system-level software development.
• Train users on system behavior and limitations.

Skills

Python

C++

Linux-based environments

Debugging

Robotics knowledge

Autonomous systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

5-8 years of equivalent professional experience

Job description

Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Seattle, Washington

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 Software Engineer to deploy, operate, sustain, and iterate on autonomous ground‑vehicle software systems in real operational environments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of software development and field operations, is comfortable debugging systems live on vehicles, and enjoys working directly with end users to deliver mission‑ready autonomy.

This is not a desk‑only role. You will spend significant time deployed at test sites, customer locations, and operational events, working hands‑on with autonomous systems, diagnosing software and system‑level issues, and ensuring platforms perform reliably in challenging, real‑world conditions.

Deploy and Field‑Test Systems:

Deploy, configure, and evaluate autonomy software on uncrewed ground vehicles in real‑world environments. When not traveling, you will support system integration, simulation, and field testing between our Seattle and Central Washington State locations.

Sustain and Troubleshoot:

Debug and resolve software, autonomy, networking, and system‑integration issues during deployments, often under time pressure and in resource‑constrained environments. Work directly on vehicles alongside hardware engineers to diagnose failures and implement practical fixes to keep systems operational.

Develop and Iterate:

Contribute to autonomy, perception, and system‑level software development. Incorporate feedback from field operations and end users to rapidly improve reliability, performance, and usability.

Collaborate Across Teams:

Partner closely with hardware engineers, autonomy engineers, product, and program managers to ensure seamless deployment and alignment with mission and end‑user needs.

Document and Analyze:

Maintain clear documentation of field performance, bugs, and lessons learned. Provide actionable recommendations to improve software robustness and operational readiness.

Train and Support Users:

Act as an on‑site technical expert, training operators and users on system behavior, limitations, and troubleshooting. Support operational readiness before and during deployments.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or 5–8 years of equivalent professional experience.


• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Desired Experience & Qualifications:

• Strong software engineering fundamentals with experience deploying systems beyond the lab. Proficiency in Python and/or C++.


• Experience working in Linux‑based environments, including debugging software in the field.


• Familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems (e.g., ROS, autonomy stacks, distributed systems).


• Experience integrating software with real‑world hardware systems (sensors, compute, networking).


• Understanding of autonomous system sensors such as LiDAR and cameras.


• Comfort debugging complex, system‑level issues involving software, hardware, and networking.


• Ability to operate independently in challenging environments, including adverse weather and remote locations.


• Thrive in dynamic, cross‑functional teams and small startup environments.


• Experience deploying software in defense technology, deep tech, robotics, or startup environments.


• Prior experience supporting software during live demos, tests, or operational events.


• Willingness to co‑locate at testing sites or military installations for extended periods, both CONUS and OCONUS.

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 $200K annually


• Equity compensation


• Best‑in‑class healthcare, dental and vision plans


• Flexible PTO


• 401k with company match


• Parental leave

Location:

This position is located in Seattle, WA. When not traveling, you will be based out of our Seattle headquarters. Frequent, extended travel is expected (>50%), including time at test sites, customer locations, and operational events, both CONUS and OCONUS.