Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Saronic · Defense · San Diego, CA · Software

This role focuses on integrating, deploying, and improving autonomous systems for maritime operations. The engineer will work hands-on with software, networking, and autonomy, debugging and optimizing algorithms, refining system performance based on real-world data, and adapting the technology to mission needs. The role involves troubleshooting, sensor integration, and control logic refinement, acting as a bridge between technology and real-world success.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and refine software for autonomy, networking, and mission execution, improving system performance in real-world maritime conditions
  2. Deploy and test ASV software in the field, identifying and resolving issues related to autonomy, perception, and control systems
  3. Analyze performance data from real-world missions, using insights to drive software improvements and optimize system behavior
  4. Integrate and validate new autonomy features, ensuring seamless interaction between software, sensors, and vessel hardware
  5. Work directly with operators and end-users, gathering feedback and adapting the system to operational requirements

Skills

Required

  • C++, Rust, Python, or similar languages
  • robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems
  • networking protocols and distributed systems
  • diagnose and debug complex systems
  • work in dynamic environments
  • develop autonomy software for real-world robotic systems

Nice to have

  • maritime, aerospace, or defense applications
  • TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworks
  • sensors such as cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs
  • perception-driven autonomy applications
  • low-level networking issues to high-level autonomy behaviors
  • motion planning, behavior trees, and control algorithms
  • maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technology
  • distributed autonomy architectures and multi-agent coordination
  • integrating and deploying robotic systems in the field

What the JD emphasized

  • real-world maritime conditions
  • real-world data
  • real-world missions
  • real-world robotic systems
  • challenging environments like the ocean
  • export-controlled information
  • U.S. Person status

Other signals

  • integrating autonomous systems
  • improving autonomy algorithms
  • refining system performance
  • adapting technology to mission needs
  • troubleshooting networking issues
  • improving sensor integration
  • refining control logic