Forward Deployed Build Engineer

Saronic Technologies•Austin, TX

About The Position

Saronic Technologies is seeking a Forward Deployed Build Engineer to join its Forward Deployed Engineering team. The role builds, integrates, validates, and deploys prototype hardware for Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs), helping move technology from the lab to the fleet. It combines hands-on fabrication and integration with early input into design, installation, maintenance, and field deployment. Work takes place in labs, fabrication spaces, and on the water; the position involves significant travel, typically 50–70%, and long hours are common during demonstrations and deployments. The engineer will report to the Forward Deployed Engineering Director and work alongside Forward Deployed Hardware Engineers, who set design intent and priorities. The role is embedded in a product pod supporting multiple hardware engineers, with rotation between pods as program demand changes. The engineer owns execution: taking tasks from scoping and sourcing through building, testing, documentation, and close-out. Some work will have clear direction; other assignments will require developing an approach and making build decisions within engineering design intent. Technical direction remains with the engineers. The position also contributes operational and maintenance experience to requirements and design discussions, advises on design changes that improve build efficiency and serviceability, and supports troubleshooting from lab bring-up through dockside and sea trials to deployment. It includes writing installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures and supporting sustainment handoffs, maintenance planning, and operator and technician training.

Requirements

Associate degree or bachelor's degree in a technical field, military technical training, trade certification, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Hands-on experience building, testing, or maintaining integrated electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments.
Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, CAD models, wiring diagrams, and electrical schematics.
Hands-on mechanical assembly and fabrication expertise, including hand and power tools, sheet metal, 3D printing, and basic machining.
Hands-on electrical integration expertise, including harness construction, soldering and crimping, connector selection, wire sizing, voltage drop, DC power distribution, grounding, and bonding.
Hands-on troubleshooting experience using electrical test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Demonstrated ownership of a build, integration, or test effort from scoping through close-out, including working through ambiguous tasks with limited oversight.
Ability to run tests and root cause investigations and clearly document data, findings, and procedures for engineers, writers, or operators.
Comfort taking direction from engineers and leading a task or small effort when needed.
Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water, and to travel up to 50–70%.
Strong sense of ownership and bias for action.
For U.S.-based roles, eligibility for U.S. Person status as defined by U.S. law, because the role requires access to export-controlled information or items.

Nice To Haves

Military or commercial marine maintenance background, such as a Navy or Coast Guard engineering rating, small craft maintenance, or comparable marine systems experience involving propulsion, steering and hydraulics, through-hulls and sealing, corrosion control and bonding, or marine DC electrical systems.
Experience with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms.
Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms.
Comfort with a Linux command line and basic IP network troubleshooting.
Composites or fiberglass layup and repair experience.
Boat handling experience, a USCG license, or crane, forklift, and rigging qualifications.
Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware.

Responsibilities

Embed in a product pod supporting multiple Forward Deployed Hardware Engineers, focusing on forward deployed projects and rotating between pods as demand requires.
Own execution of integration plans on operational systems, taking tasks from scoping and sourcing through building, proving, documentation, and close-out.
Build, integrate, and modify prototype mechanical and electrical hardware from drawings, CAD models, and engineering sketches, emphasizing speed to test.
When direction is incomplete, propose an approach and make build decisions within engineering design intent; escalate design-level questions.
Fabricate brackets, fixtures, jigs, and one-off components using hand tools, shop equipment, sheet metal, and 3D printing; build marine-environment wiring harnesses and cabling; and coordinate fast-turn custom components and harnesses with suppliers and fabrication shops.
Lead organization and day-to-day use of lab and shop spaces, maintain tools, equipment, and inventory, prepare workspaces for active builds, and train teammates in safe and effective use of the space.
Troubleshoot prototype hardware with engineering and field teams, from lab bring-up through dockside and sea trials to on-site deployment.
Advise engineering teams on design updates that improve build efficiency, practicality, and serviceability.
Lead hardware and subsystem integration efforts across CONUS and OCONUS locations.
Validate engineering changes before wider release and support root cause investigations.
Serve as the on-site engineering point of contact during deployment, provide technical support, and communicate findings to the engineering team.
Bring operational and maintenance experience into early requirements and design discussions and provide design-for-assembly, serviceability, and deployment recommendations.
Write installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures for prototypes, partnering with technical writing.
For prototypes entering sustainment, propose maintenance intervals, consumables, spare-parts lists, and special tooling; support handoff to Mission Support; and train operators, field service representatives, and other technicians.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
Dental and vision insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the basic-plan employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
Generous PTO and holidays.
Paid maternity and paternity leave.
Competitive salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
401(k) plan with company match.
Stock options.
Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Discounted pet insurance options, including a 24/7 Telehealth helpline.
Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.