Recruiting From Scratch
Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Exclusive)
Recruiting From Scratch, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Role
Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Exclusive) Location : Austin, TX or San Diego, CA Company Stage : Series B Venture-backed Startup Office Type : On-site (5 Days a Week) Salary : $120K – $160K + Equity
Company Description Our client is a fast-growing venture-backed defense technology company building
autonomous surface vessels
that enhance maritime security and mission operations. Their platforms combine advanced hardware, software, and AI to deliver cutting-edge autonomy, perception, and control systems capable of operating in complex real-world environments.
As a third-party recruiting partner, we’re helping this company expand their forward deployment engineering team — where innovation meets real-world impact. If you’re eager to build systems that leave the lab and perform in live mission conditions, this is the role for you.
What You Will Do
Develop and optimize
autonomy, networking, and mission execution software for real-world maritime environments.
Deploy, test, and refine
autonomous systems directly in the field, iterating based on mission data and feedback.
Integrate and validate
software with diverse sensors — including radar, GPS, LiDAR, and vision systems.
Collaborate cross-functionally
with autonomy, hardware, and operations teams to enhance reliability and system performance.
Work hands-on with customers
and end-users to understand operational needs and shape product direction.
Troubleshoot and debug
complex software, networking, and system-level challenges during field deployments.
Document and streamline
deployment and debugging processes to support future scalability.
This is a high-impact, field-oriented engineering role that blends deep software development with real-world system deployment.
Ideal Candidate Background
2–10 years of software engineering experience , ideally in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems.
Proven experience developing
in
C++ ,
Rust , or
Python
within
Linux-based environments .
Strong understanding of
networking protocols, distributed systems, and real-time data handling.
Demonstrated ability to debug and improve
complex integrated hardware/software systems.
Experience integrating or deploying software in field conditions
or mission-critical applications.
Comfortable working directly with operators or customers
in fast-paced, hands-on settings.
Eligible to work on U.S.-based defense programs
(U.S. Person status required as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience at defense tech or autonomy companies
(e.g., Anduril, Skydio, Saildrone, Epirus).
Background in
sensor fusion,
robotics operating systems (ROS) , or
control systems .
Exposure to
computer vision frameworks (e.g., YOLO) or
Kalman filtering .
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in
Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
Excited by travel
(up to 50%+) and
hands-on system deployment
in maritime environments.
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$120K – $160K (commensurate with experience)
Equity:
Stock options in a fast-growing venture-backed company
Benefits:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k); paid time off; and travel per diems for field work
Additional Perks:
Opportunity to work on
mission-critical, high-impact systems
with real operational outcomes
Direct visibility
into product deployment and customer impact
Fast-moving startup culture
— no bureaucracy, high ownership, and rapid iteration cycles
Join a team that’s redefining maritime autonomy.
If you’re a hands-on engineer who loves seeing your code power real-world missions, we’d love to connect.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Exclusive) Location : Austin, TX or San Diego, CA Company Stage : Series B Venture-backed Startup Office Type : On-site (5 Days a Week) Salary : $120K – $160K + Equity
Company Description Our client is a fast-growing venture-backed defense technology company building
autonomous surface vessels
that enhance maritime security and mission operations. Their platforms combine advanced hardware, software, and AI to deliver cutting-edge autonomy, perception, and control systems capable of operating in complex real-world environments.
As a third-party recruiting partner, we’re helping this company expand their forward deployment engineering team — where innovation meets real-world impact. If you’re eager to build systems that leave the lab and perform in live mission conditions, this is the role for you.
What You Will Do
Develop and optimize
autonomy, networking, and mission execution software for real-world maritime environments.
Deploy, test, and refine
autonomous systems directly in the field, iterating based on mission data and feedback.
Integrate and validate
software with diverse sensors — including radar, GPS, LiDAR, and vision systems.
Collaborate cross-functionally
with autonomy, hardware, and operations teams to enhance reliability and system performance.
Work hands-on with customers
and end-users to understand operational needs and shape product direction.
Troubleshoot and debug
complex software, networking, and system-level challenges during field deployments.
Document and streamline
deployment and debugging processes to support future scalability.
This is a high-impact, field-oriented engineering role that blends deep software development with real-world system deployment.
Ideal Candidate Background
2–10 years of software engineering experience , ideally in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems.
Proven experience developing
in
C++ ,
Rust , or
Python
within
Linux-based environments .
Strong understanding of
networking protocols, distributed systems, and real-time data handling.
Demonstrated ability to debug and improve
complex integrated hardware/software systems.
Experience integrating or deploying software in field conditions
or mission-critical applications.
Comfortable working directly with operators or customers
in fast-paced, hands-on settings.
Eligible to work on U.S.-based defense programs
(U.S. Person status required as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience at defense tech or autonomy companies
(e.g., Anduril, Skydio, Saildrone, Epirus).
Background in
sensor fusion,
robotics operating systems (ROS) , or
control systems .
Exposure to
computer vision frameworks (e.g., YOLO) or
Kalman filtering .
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in
Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
Excited by travel
(up to 50%+) and
hands-on system deployment
in maritime environments.
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$120K – $160K (commensurate with experience)
Equity:
Stock options in a fast-growing venture-backed company
Benefits:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k); paid time off; and travel per diems for field work
Additional Perks:
Opportunity to work on
mission-critical, high-impact systems
with real operational outcomes
Direct visibility
into product deployment and customer impact
Fast-moving startup culture
— no bureaucracy, high ownership, and rapid iteration cycles
Join a team that’s redefining maritime autonomy.
If you’re a hands-on engineer who loves seeing your code power real-world missions, we’d love to connect.
#J-18808-Ljbffr