Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous Systems

Role: Forward Deployed Software Engineer – Edge Autonomous Systems

Location: Washington D.C. (strong preference) • Palo Alto, CA • Seattle, WA • Denver, CO • New York, NY
Company Stage of Funding: Public Company
Office Type: Hybrid (25–75% travel may be required)
Salary: $135K – $200K base + RSUs

Company Description

Our client is a global leader in advanced data integration and decision intelligence systems, supporting some of the most mission-critical operations across defense, government, and commercial sectors. The company builds technology that helps organizations use data to solve their most urgent and complex problems — from protecting critical infrastructure to enabling autonomous decision-making at the edge.

As part of a newly formed engineering team, you’ll work on autonomous and edge-deployed systems that directly impact national security, safety, and real-world mission outcomes.

What You Will Do

• Design, build, and deploy mission-critical software and AI solutions for autonomous systems, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making.

• Integrate cutting-edge autonomy software with sensors (radar, cameras, RF systems), effectors, and autonomous platforms such as drones or mobile robotics.

• Tackle complex technical challenges in edge computing, networking, security, and distributed systems, ensuring reliable performance in austere environments.

• Collaborate with cross-functional experts in AI/ML, systems engineering, sensing, and robotics to deliver highly integrated real-world solutions.

• Work hands-on in testing and deploying your code on edge hardware and autonomous systems, ensuring software stability in mission environments.

Ideal Candidate Background

• 2+ years of professional software development experience.

• Strong proficiency in Python, Rust, C++, or Java.

• Experience integrating and deploying software to autonomous systems, drones, or on-prem/edge hardware.

• Knowledge of Linux/GNU, networking, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools.

• Background in Computer Science, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• Eligible and willing to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance (active clearance preferred).

• Comfortable with travel (typically 25–75%, depending on team and deployment).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with AI/ML models, computer vision, or sensor data fusion.

• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud-to-edge integration.

• Experience deploying production software in real-time, high-stakes, or defense-oriented environments.

• Passion for working on systems that have direct real-world impact and national-level importance.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Salary: $135,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience)

• Equity: RSUs

• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and professional development support.

• Work Model: Hybrid; preference for Washington D.C., but open to strong candidates in other listed cities.

Why This Role Is Exciting

• Mission-Critical Impact: Your work directly helps protect critical infrastructure and save lives through autonomous defense and edge AI technology.

• Cutting-Edge Engineering: You’ll build and deploy software that runs on real-world systems — from radar arrays to autonomous platforms.

• Rapid Growth: Join a high-velocity team with strong funding and immediate, tangible impact across multiple high-priority projects.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work at the intersection of software, AI, hardware, and robotics with some of the best engineers in the industry.