Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionising autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms for government and non-government customers.

We are seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to integrate, deploy, and improve our autonomous systems in real-world environments. You will work hands-on with software, networking, and hardware to ensure our autonomous surface vessels perform reliably in operational settings. This role combines software development, field deployment, and problem-solving to deliver real mission impact.

You will collaborate with Business Development and Program Management teams to scope events, integrations, and deliverables, and lead technical demonstrations domestically and abroad. You will also provide real-time field feedback to Product teams, driving continuous improvements. From troubleshooting networking issues to integrating new payloads and refining control logic, you will make our systems more capable, reliable, and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate software and hardware solutions for custom payloads, missions, and system integrations.
• Lead technical demonstrations and field events, ensuring reliable operation of platforms and integrations.
• Collaborate with Business Development teams to define scope, deliverables, and customer requirements.
• Work closely with operators and end-users, gathering feedback to adapt systems to operational needs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software, hardware, and networking issues during deployments.
• Partner with engineering, product, and customer success teams to enhance capabilities and ensure mission success.
• Document best practices, deployment procedures, and debugging workflows to improve scalability and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Science (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems.
• Strong software engineering skills (C++, Rust, Python, or similar).
• Experience working in a Linux-based operating system.
• Hands-on expertise in: Mechanical assembly & fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing), Electrical integration (power systems, cabling, connectors, PCB bring-up), Rapid prototyping and system-level debugging.
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar), Linux systems, and electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes).
• Experience with sensors (cameras, radar, GPS, IMUs), particularly for perception-driven autonomy.
• Strong problem-solving skills in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Experience in systems integration, testing, and customer-facing field support.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally (50%+), including throughout the Indo-Pacific and to headquarters in Austin, TX.
• Eligible to hold an Australian Government Security Clearance (NV1 or higher).

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours/day
• Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 18 kgs
• The ability to carry 18 kgs lbs. up and down stairs
• Ability to work outside for an extended period of time
• Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install vehicle parts of varying size and weight overhead, accurately and in allotted timeframes
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours/day, including over varied and uneven terrain
• Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours/day
• Climb and maintain balance on ladders, platforms, or other high structures
• Ability to find issues in a work process and be alert to safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
• Demonstrated ability to handle and manipulate tooling and mechanically fasten bolts within required cycle time
• Exposures to hazardous materials and ability to follow waste handling/disposal procedures
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines

Benefits

• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.