Payload Integration Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Fathom Robotics•Ventura, CA

1d•$115,000 - $218,000•Onsite

About The Position

Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments. Fathom Robotics is hiring a Payload Integration Engineer to manage payloads, communications, and software baselines across the OEM USV platforms we operate and the payloads they carry: UAS systems, telemetry antennas, and electronic warfare systems. Each platform and payload arrives with its own interfaces, comms architecture, and update cycle. Much of the software is updated remotely by the OEMs; you own the coordination, the verification, and the record of what is running where. You will report directly to the CEO and operate with wide latitude. You make the integration calls, set the configuration standards, and own the outcome. This role pushes unmanned systems to their limits in high-stakes environments. If you enjoy being the technical bridge between new technologies and real-world execution, this is a phenomenal opportunity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, mechatronics, or a related field
3+ years of payload or sensor integration experience on unmanned platforms in any domain
Working knowledge of RF data links, IP networking, and common serial interfaces (Ethernet, RS-232/485, CAN)
Experience managing software or firmware updates and configuration baselines across multiple systems, with disciplined documentation habits
Hands-on electronics skills: wiring, connectors, soldering, bench troubleshooting
Able and willing to work outdoors and on boats during field test events
Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

Nice To Haves

Payload integration on fielded defense systems
CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or equivalent)
SATCOM terminal setup and troubleshooting (Starlink/Starshield or similar)
Experience working directly with OEM engineering or product support teams to field and sustain systems
Hands-on UAS field experience: launch, recovery, and operation from vessels or austere sites
Military maintenance, communications, or avionics background (ET, IT, AT, or similar rating/MOS)
Active SECRET clearance

Responsibilities

Integrate USV payloads, including UAS systems, telemetry antennas, and EW systems: mounting, power, and data interfaces
Work with payload providers to align size, weight, and power (SWaP) and maritime resiliency with vessel and mission profiles
Manage vehicle and payload communications: SATCOM (Starlink/Starshield), RF telemetry links, antennas, and end-to-end link testing between vehicles, payloads, and control stations
Own software and firmware baselines across USVs and payloads: coordinate remote OEM update windows, verify function after every update, and keep configuration records current
Serve as the technical point of contact with platform OEMs, payload manufacturers, and government customers for integration issues, update releases, and interface documentation
Work with other engineers to design custom mounts, brackets, and enclosures in CAD, get them made in-house or through our fab vendors, and install and validate them alongside wiring harnesses and interface hardware
Bench test integrated payloads and comms ahead of field events
Support on-water testing and customer demonstrations, including payload setup, comms checks, and real-time troubleshooting
Write and maintain interface documentation and test reports