Field Applications Engineer

Essential Duties

• Lead live, dynamic flight and target-tracking demonstrations in field environments, operating autonomous counter-drone systems flawlessly under high-stakes conditions.
• Prepare, assemble, and check complex autonomous hardware and edge-compute systems prior to field tests and customer demonstrations.
• Perform precise hardware and sensor alignment, including boresighting, thermal/EO camera focusing, lens calibration, and multi-sensor orientation.
• Flash latest software builds, test system stability, perform integration tests, and ensure firmware/software readiness for field trials.
• Diagnose and resolve unexpected hardware, software, networking, and sensor issues on the fly with minimal downtime during field trials.
• Serve as the direct link between field reality and R&D, capturing detailed telemetry, edge cases, and user feedback to inform engineering rapid iteration cycles.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience deploying, operating, or troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems in real-world or live-fire test range environments.
• Practical experience with optical/camera calibration (focus, boresighting), sensor alignment, and field validation techniques.
• Proficient in Linux CLI environments, firmware/software flashing tools, and basic networking/telemetry debugging.
• Experience with harness assembly, field repair, cable building, and multimeters/oscilloscopes for quick edge-side hardware fixes.
• Willingness to travel to outdoor testing sites and demonstration ranges; comfortable working outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• This position requires access to export-controlled information under ITAR. Only U.S. citizens are permitted. Must be willing to submit a background check.

Nice-to-Have

• Prior experience with robotics, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), counter-UAS (c-UAS), or defense range operations.
• Familiarity with thermal/IR optics, RF sensors, or embedded Linux environments (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson).
• Prior defense startup experience or military background in range safety/flight test operations.
• Security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• A passion for building or engineering robotics or electronics as a hobby.

Benefits

• Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner.
• Direct Roadmap Influence: You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one.
• Mission-Critical Work: We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.
• The Builder's Playground: Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers.
• 100% Employer-Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Zero Red Tape: You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm.
• Austin-Based Culture: Join an onsite team in Austin, TX.
• Relocation Assistance.