Forward Deployed Engineer

Forward Deployed EngineerLocation: Austin, TX (On-site, with up to 50% travel)Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearanceAbout NODANODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors.Our Forward Deployed Engineers serve as the critical bridge between our orchestration platform and real-world deployment environments, building the software integrations that enable diverse autonomous systems to work together seamlessly.Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.The RoleWe are looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer to lead software integration and deployment of our multi-domain autonomous orchestration platform with customers and partners. This role focuses on building the adapters, interfaces, and integration layers that connect our orchestration engine to diverse autonomous vehicles, sensors, and third-party systems in operational environments.You'll work at the intersection of our core platform and customer/partner ecosystems, translating high-level orchestration tasks into platform-specific commands, integrating environmental data into our world model, and deploying our software in complex, constrained network environments. This is a software-centric role requiring strong full-stack engineering skills, systems integration expertise, and the ability to operate independently in customer and partner facilities.While you'll spend significant time on deployment and integration work, you'll also contribute strategically to our core platform, building shared libraries, reusable integration components, and deployment tooling that accelerate future integrations. You serve as a direct link between customer needs and platform development, funneling product requirements back to core engineering teams.Key ResponsibilitiesSoftware Integration & DeploymentBuild adapters and translation layers that connect our orchestration platform to diverse autonomous vehicle control protocols and APIs (MAVLink, custom vehicle APIs, etc.)Develop interfaces for new sensors and payloads, integrating their data streams into our world modelCreate integrations with third-party C2 systems (ATAK, TAK Server, etc.) and other software platforms in the autonomy stackMap high-level orchestration tasks to platform-specific behaviors and commands for each vehicle typeTransform and integrate environmental data from various sources into our common data representationDeploy and configure ML models in operational environmentsDesign and implement custom network configurations for multi-domain connectivity, handling degraded/intermittent links, secure networks (VPNs, firewalls), and air-ground-sea communication scenariosCustomer & Partner Technical LeadershipServe as technical liaison between customers/partners and internal engineering teamsLead on-site integration efforts at partner facilities (vehicle manufacturers, sensor providers, component suppliers)Conduct technical demonstrations and training sessions for customers and operatorsTranslate operational requirements and field feedback into actionable product improvementsSupport pre-sales technical discussions and scoping for customer engagementsValidate partner platforms and third-party integrations in operational settingsPlatform ContributionsBuild shared libraries and reusable integration components that accelerate future deploymentsDevelop deployment tooling and automation for software delivery in secure, constrained environmentsExtend our behavior library with new capabilities based on platform-specific featuresContribute bug fixes and improvements affecting customer deploymentsDocument integration patterns and best practicesFunnel product requirements from field learnings back to core engineering and product teamsField Operations SupportExecute system validation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization in real-world environmentsProvide technical support during live demonstrations and operational deploymentsCollect and analyze system performance data, integration issues, and failure modesDevelop deployment documentation and troubleshooting guidesDebug integration issues discovered during field testingRequired Qualifications3+ years of software engineering experience building integrations, APIs, or distributed systemsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++ for building integrations, adapters, and automationExperience with networked systems and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, routing, subnetting)Advanced Linux proficiency (command line, scripting, debugging, remote system administration)Experience integrating with external APIs, protocols, or hardware systemsProven ability to understand complex technical systems and build translation/adapter layersStrong debugging and troubleshooting skills across software boundariesProfessional communication skills for engaging customers, partners, and engineering teamsComfortable with 50% travel to customer sites, partner facilities, test ranges, and remote locationsPreferred QualificationsExperience with autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned vehicles (UAS, UGV, USV, UUV)Hands-on experience with vehicle control protocols (MAVLink, ROS/ROS2, custom vehicle APIs)DevSecOps experience deploying software in secure, constrained, or classified environmentsExperience with tactical communications systems and C2 software (ATAK, TAK Server, Link 16, etc.)Knowledge of ML model deployment and inference optimizationBackground in RF communications, link budgets, or connectivity troubleshootingExperience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or firmware interfacesFamiliarity with sensor integration (cameras, LIDAR, radar, EO/IR, RF)Prior forward deployed, field engineering, or customer-facing technical role experienceExperience with DoD environments, military test protocols, ITAR compliance, or cybersecurity requirementsExisting security clearanceSkills & AttributesTechnical Skills: Full-stack software development with focus on integrations and APIsSystems thinking and ability to understand complex multi-system architecturesData transformation and protocol translation expertiseNetwork configuration and troubleshooting in operational environmentsSoftware deployment and configuration managementCustomer-Facing Skills: Strong customer presence for defense demonstrations and partner engagementsAbility to translate between technical and operational languageProfessional communication and presentation abilitiesCustomer empathy and service mindsetCrisis management and composure under pressureOperational Skills: Self-directed problem-solver who thrives in ambiguous situationsStartup adaptability and comfort with rapidly changing requirementsStrong documentation disciplineProject management and prioritizationPerforms effectively in mission-critical field environmentsWhat We OfferHybrid-friendly when not travelingCompetitive payFlexible time offGenerous PTO policyFederal holidaysGenerous health, dental, and vision benefitsFree OneMedical membershipGrowth Path at NODAForward Deployed Engineers have multiple career progression options: Technical track: FDE → Senior FDE → Lead FDETransition to Core Engineering: For those who develop strong interest in platform developmentTransition to Mission Lead: For those who gravitate toward project management and coordinationTransition to Product Management: Leverage deep customer insights for product strategyIndividual contributor track: Available for those who prefer hands-on technical workWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Created: 2026-04-02