Forward Deployed Engineer

Advanced Navigation • Huntsville, AL

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Forward Deployed Engineer specializing in Geospatial Navigation plays a pivotal role in the commercial sales process by applying technical expertise to assess customer requirements, design tailored solutions and demonstrate the business value of Advanced Navigation's products. Partnering closely with field sales, product management, and engineering teams, this role bridges complex navigation technologies with customer needs, conducting product demonstrations, leading Proofs of Concept (PoCs), and driving successful customer onboarding.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Geomatics, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, or Systems Engineering) or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of technical pre-sales, solution engineering, or technical sales experience in a high-tech hardware/software environment.
• Working knowledge of GNSS, INS, cloud computing, networking, and sensor integration concepts.
• Must be willing and able to travel nationally (and occasionally internationally) up to 50-25%.
• Must be a "U.S. Person" (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) and EAR (15 CFR §772.1) due to handling defense technologies and trade-controlled technical data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the proven ability to articulate complex engineering concepts (e.g., whiteboard sessions) to diverse audiences.
• Ability to calculate kinematic metrics (position, velocity, acceleration, orientation) and analyze sensor data.
• In-depth understanding of GNSS, INS, sensor fusion, and position-velocity-orientation algorithms.
• Strong capability to analyze complex technical specifications, design Proof of Concept architectures, and validate solutions against strict customer success criteria.
• Exceptional whiteboard, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage both executive leadership and technical engineering teams.
• Proven track record of collaborating effectively with Sales, Product Engineering, Marketing, and Customer Success teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent pre-sales projects in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience supporting applications in surveying, subsea/maritime, defense, robotics, or autonomous vehicle market segments.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar tools for data analysis, along with familiarity with integrated CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
• Basic programming skills or hands-on experience using APIs, SDKs, and Command Line Interfaces (CLIs).

Responsibilities

• Consult with prospects and clients to evaluate technical requirements, operational objectives, and geospatial navigation needs.
• Architect and recommend customized hardware and software solution proposals leveraging Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
• Deliver compelling technical presentations and live product demonstrations highlighting unique capabilities, features, and value propositions to both technical and executive stakeholders.
• Lead the technical scoping, implementation, and execution of Proof of Concept (PoC) projects to validate product feasibility and performance in real-world environments.
• Collaborate with engineering and product management teams to translate customer feedback into actionable insights for future product roadmap developments.
• Partner with sales account executives to address technical inquiries, overcome customer objections, and accelerate the sales cycle.
• Maintain deep industry knowledge regarding emerging trends, competitor offerings, and regulatory standards within the geospatial, defense, and robotics sectors.
• Travel occasionally to client sites, field test sites, or trade shows to deliver in-person presentations, technical implementations, or integration support.
• Ensure full compliance with workplace Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) guidelines during all customer engagements and field testing.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options to support you and your family's well-being.
• Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a competitive company matching contribution up to 7%.
• Professional development allowance and budget allocations to support continuous security certifications, licensing, and education.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays to ensure you rest and recharge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level