Forward Deployed Engineer

Industry: Defense robotics / autonomous ground systems Location: Maryland HQ preferred. Also open to Ketchum (ID), Palo Alto (CA), Orlando (FL), West Virginia, and Boston Compensation: $135,000–$165,000 base + equity Travel: ~75% (expected to decrease as the team scales)About the CompanyA venture‑backed robotics company building autonomous ground vehicle systems for defense customers. Their platforms combine an autonomy stack, operator‑control software, and integrated mission payloads.Programs are rapidly transitioning from experimental phases into real‑world deployment, placing this role at the center of that shift.The RoleForward Deployed Engineers are the company's tip of the spear in the field. You will act as a technical operator, ensuring systems function in real‑world conditions that often go beyond documented scenarios. This role is closer to a Palantir‑style FDE than a traditional field service representative. You are not just executing checklists—you are a generalist engineer working hands‑on in dynamic environments.You will operate at the intersection of engineering and end users, supporting customers who are eager to adopt new capabilities as soon as they are ready.ResponsibilitiesDeploy integrated robotic ground systems to test sites, training centers, and forward operating locationsTroubleshoot across the full stack: hardware, autonomy software, networking, communications, and operator‑control systemsPull logs via command line, reproduce issues, and provide clear diagnostics to engineering teamsProactively identify and resolve issues before they impact the customerDocument solutions to prevent recurrenceTrain and support customer operators on new capabilitiesBuild strong relationships with field units and earn their trustQualificationsStrong technical foundation across both hardware and software systemsComfortable with hands‑on vehicle maintenance and repairExperience working with CLI, log analysis, networking, and communications troubleshootingAbility to debug software deployments without needing to write production codeWillingness to travel extensively (~75%), including extended stays in remote or challenging environmentsComfort working in physically demanding conditions (Type 2 fun)Strong mission orientation and commitment to end usersBias toward action and problem‑solving in ambiguous environmentsNice to HaveExperience as a Forward Deployed Engineer at a software‑forward defense or dual‑use companyExperience within government innovation organizations (DEVCOM, DIU, service‑level innovation offices)Background as a Field Service Representative with added software/networking expertiseMilitary experience (valued but not required)Deployment LocationsStateside: Fort Drum, Fort Bragg, Fort Polk, NTC / Fort Irwin, 29 Palms, Camp Lejeune, White Sands, Aberdeen, Grayling (MI), and others.International: Eastern Europe, supporting Ukrainian forces with system upgrades, repairs, and maintenance (behind the front lines).Location & Work SetupMaryland HQ is the preferred location and serves as the engineering hub. Other offices include Ketchum (ID), Palo Alto (CA), Orlando (FL), West Virginia, with a Boston office opening soon. Strong remote candidates will be considered.BenefitsEquity participation for all employeesPerformance bonuses primarily awarded as equitySuccess Metrics (6 months)Deep understanding of the system, mission, and userTrusted by customers in the fieldProactively identifying and resolving issuesDelivering clear feedback to engineering that improves future releases#J-18808-Ljbffr