Forward Deployed Autonomy Engineer

Defense Unicorns

16h•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and adaptable Forward-Deployed Autonomy Engineer to provide direct technical support to our Peat and UDS teams operating in dynamic, field-based environments. In this role, you will be embedded alongside mission heroes during integration events, exercises, and operational demonstrations, working shoulder-to-shoulder with other engineers to ensure success. This role requires a strong software engineering background paired with hands-on experience in autonomous systems, distributed architectures, and tactical communications. You will be a critical technical resource in the field — diagnosing issues under pressure, integrating systems across platforms, and enabling the effective deployment of robotics and drone technologies in complex, real-world environments. You will work closely with customer engineering teams, program leads, and cross-functional internal stakeholders to ensure our autonomy solutions perform reliably and meet mission objectives.

Requirements

4+ years of software engineering experience, with demonstrated experience in distributed systems and/or autonomous platforms
Hands-on experience with robotics and/or unmanned systems (ground robots, drones/UAS)
Experience working with communications infrastructure in field or tactical environments (mesh networks, RF communications, data links, etc.)
Familiarity with command and control (C2) systems and integration patterns
Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across the full stack — software, interfaces, and system-level interactions
Experience working in fast-paced, field-based environments where adaptability and composure under pressure are essential
Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical defense customers
Proficiency in one or more relevant languages/frameworks (Python, C++, ROS/ROS2, etc.)
Comfortable operating in austere or field environments for extended periods
Active security clearance (Secret or higher) or ability to obtain one
U.S. Citizenship

Nice To Haves

Background in defense programs, DoD acquisition, or working directly with military end users
Experience with DevSecOps principles and secure software delivery pipelines
Familiarity with ATAK, MAVC, or other tactical software platforms
Experience with simulation environments (Gazebo, AirSim, etc.) for pre-deployment testing
Contributions to open-source robotics or autonomy projects, ROS2, or MAVLink
Familiarity with STANAG, JAUS, or other relevant defense interoperability standards

Responsibilities

Provide on-site technical support at customer sites, integration events, field exercises, and demonstrations involving autonomous systems (robots and drones)
Develop, integrate, and troubleshoot software components across distributed systems and autonomy platforms
Support the design, configuration, and maintenance of communications infrastructure used in field deployments
Assist in the integration and operation of command and control (C2) systems in tactical and semi-tactical environments
Diagnose and resolve complex software, hardware, and system-level issues in time-sensitive field conditions
Collaborate with customer engineering teams and internal engineers to achieve integration milestones and exercise objectives
Document field findings, issues, and resolutions to support continuous improvement of product reliability and deployment readiness
Provide feedback to internal product and engineering teams based on field observations to drive improvements
Support pre-deployment testing and validation activities to ensure systems are field-ready
Serve as a trusted technical representative of the company in customer-facing settings, maintaining professional relationships with defense stakeholders
Participate in after-action reviews and contribute to lessons-learned processes following integration events and exercises
Adapt quickly to evolving mission requirements and operational constraints in the field