Forward Deployed Engineer

<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Forward Deployed Engineer</strong></h3> <p><strong>Industry:</strong> Defense robotics / autonomous ground systems<br><strong>Location:</strong> Maryland HQ preferred. Also open to Ketchum (ID), Palo Alto (CA), Orlando (FL), West Virginia, and Boston<br><strong>Compensation:</strong> $135,000–$165,000 base + equity<br><strong>Travel:</strong> ~75% (expected to decrease as the team scales)</p> <hr> <h3><strong>About the Client</strong></h3> <p>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.</p> <p>Programs are rapidly transitioning from experimental phases into real-world deployment, placing this role at the center of that shift.</p> <h3><strong>About the Role</strong></h3> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Deployment Locations</strong><br>Stateside: Fort Drum, Fort Bragg, Fort Polk, NTC / Fort Irwin, 29 Palms, Camp Lejeune, White Sands, Aberdeen, Grayling (MI), and others</p> <p>International: Eastern Europe, supporting Ukrainian forces with system upgrades, repairs, and maintenance (behind the front lines)</p> <p><strong>Location &amp; Work Setup</strong><br>Maryland HQ is the preferred location and serves as the engineering hub. Other offices include Ketchum (ID), Palo Alto (CA), Orlando (FL), and West Virginia, with a Boston office opening soon.</p> <p>Strong remote candidates will be considered.</p> <h3><strong>Responsibilities</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Deploy integrated robotic ground systems to test sites, training centers, and forward operating locations</li> <li>Troubleshoot across the full stack: hardware, autonomy software, networking, communications, and operator-control systems</li> <li>Pull logs via command line, reproduce issues, and provide clear diagnostics to engineering teams</li> <li>Proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact the customer</li> <li>Document solutions to prevent recurrence</li> <li>Train and support customer operators on new capabilities</li> <li>Build strong relationships with field units and earn their trust</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Requirements</strong></h3> <h3><strong>Must-Haves</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Strong technical foundation across both hardware and software systems</li> <li>Comfortable with hands-on vehicle maintenance and repair</li> <li>Experience working with CLI, log analysis, networking, and communications troubleshooting</li> <li>Ability to debug software deployments without needing to write production code</li> <li>Willingness to travel extensively (~75%), including extended stays in remote or challenging environments</li> <li>Comfort working in physically demanding conditions ("Type 2 fun")</li> <li>Strong mission orientation and commitment to end users</li> <li>Bias toward action and problem-solving in ambiguous environments</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Nice-to-Haves</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Experience as a Forward Deployed Engineer at a software-forward defense or dual-use company</li> <li>Experience within government innovation organizations (e.g., DEVCOM, DIU, service-level innovation offices)</li> <li>Background as a Field Service Representative (FSR) with added software/networking expertise</li> <li>Military experience (valued but not required)</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Compensation &amp; Benefits</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Base salary: $135,000–$165,000</li> <li>Equity participation for all employees</li> <li>Performance bonuses primarily awarded as equity</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Why This Role</strong></h3> <h3><strong>What Success Looks Like (6 Months)</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Deep understanding of the system, mission, and user</li> <li>Trusted by customers in the field</li> <li>Proactively identifying and resolving issues</li> <li>Delivering clear feedback to engineering that improves future releases</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Hiring Process</strong></h3> <ol> <li>Recruiter screen</li> <li>30–45 minute phone interview with the hiring team</li> <li>On-site interview at Maryland HQ (or virtual panel if needed)</li> <li>Final roundtable decision</li> </ol> <p>Typical process includes one to two phone screens before the final stage.</p>