Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

Mach Industries•Huntington Beach, CA

4h•$105,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Mach Industries is seeking a Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer (FDASE) to support the integration, testing, deployment, and operation of autonomous aircraft and their supporting systems. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys working directly with hardware, troubleshooting complex systems, and operating in dynamic field environments. You will work across avionics, communications, flight controls, sensors, ground-control systems, and support equipment to prepare vehicles for test and deployment. You will execute approved procedures, identify and escalate technical issues, maintain equipment, and provide clear feedback to the engineering teams responsible for improving our systems. As you grow in the role, you may take ownership of mission planning, checklist development, customer and range coordination, training, and routine deployments. This is not primarily a pilot role; success requires technical ownership, disciplined execution, sound field judgment, and the ability to translate operational experience into better products and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in robotics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another relevant STEM discipline; or equivalent hands-on technical experience
Fundamental understanding of unmanned aircraft systems, robotics, or other integrated electromechanical systems
Familiarity with flight-control concepts and common autopilot ecosystems such as PX4 or ArduPilot
Experience using a ground-control application such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner
Basic Linux command-line proficiency
Basic networking and radio-frequency fundamentals
Ability to perform basic electrical troubleshooting and soldering
Familiarity with Git or another version-control system
Ability to interpret, execute, and help improve technical checklists and procedures
Strong attention to detail, personal accountability, and sound technical judgment
Ability to communicate technical problems clearly and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ability to travel frequently and support multi-day deployments in field conditions
Ability to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Ability to meet any security, export-control, or customer-access requirements associated with the role
Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Nice To Haves

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience operating, integrating, or maintaining unmanned aircraft or robotic systems
Experience supporting Department of Defense tests, demonstrations, or operational deployments
Experience with international demonstrations or field deployments
Proficiency in Python, C++, Rust, Bash, or another applicable programming or scripting language
Experience analyzing system logs and performing structured root-cause analysis
Experience troubleshooting radio-frequency systems or integrating MIMO, mesh, or other tactical communications systems
Experience integrating sensors, avionics, companion computers, or embedded systems
Familiarity with Arduino or similar embedded development platforms
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, or iron-bird test environments
Experience with high-speed cameras or other specialized test instrumentation
Experience supporting the first flight of a new aircraft or vehicle configuration
Understanding of subsystem interactions across avionics, communications, flight controls, payloads, and ground systems
Experience preparing or presenting material for flight-readiness reviews
Experience developing checklists, training materials, mission plans, or deployment packouts
Experience coordinating directly with military ranges, government customers, or program sponsors

Responsibilities

Configure, inspect, test, and operate autonomous vehicles and supporting equipment in accordance with approved procedures and checklists
Conduct checkouts, and preflight activities for aircraft and ground systems
Verify mission packouts and maintain accountability for tools, equipment, spares, and support systems
Perform routine equipment maintenance and field-level troubleshooting
Identify, document, and escalate technical issues to the appropriate engineering teams
Support mission planning, test preparation, and execution for flight tests and customer demonstrations
Contribute to vehicle checklists, procedures, and continuous process improvements
Provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering teams based on test and field experience
Participate in multi-day field deployments, flight tests, and demonstrations
Support the integration and troubleshooting of avionics, communications systems, sensors, companion computers, and flight-control systems
Maintain accurate operational records and help ensure vehicles and support equipment remain deployment-ready
Work effectively across engineering, flight test, manufacturing, logistics, and program teams
Lead mission planning and routine field deployments
Lead checklist development and configuration-control efforts
Coordinate directly with military ranges, customers, and government sponsors
Serve as an avionics or vehicle-operations subject-matter expert
Support initial flights and fielding of new vehicle configurations
Define deployment packouts and equipment requirements
Develop or contribute to operator training manuals
Train and mentor new Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers
Own assigned portions of flight-readiness reviews