Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous Systems

Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous Systems

Title of Role: Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous Systems

Location: Washington D.C., hybrid

Company Stage of Funding: Secondary Market — Software Development

Office Type: Hybrid

Salary: $135K–$200K

Company Description

We're representing a leading software company that empowers various sectors, including government and defense, to integrate and analyze complex datasets. Their platforms enable collaboration across organizational boundaries to address significant global challenges. This company is pioneering advancements in autonomous systems, delivering sophisticated software capabilities directly to the edge, where real-time decision-making is essential.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop software systems for autonomous platforms operating in low-connectivity and time-critical environments.
• Collaborate directly with mission teams and operators to understand requirements and rapidly translate them into functional software.
• Build, test, and iterate on software in real operational settings, ensuring high reliability and performance.
• Work closely with hardware teams and data engineers to achieve seamless integration and system performance at the edge.
• Identify and address failure modes in the field, driving improvements back into the core product.
• Contribute to the architecture and design of edge-native software systems, focusing on latency and resilience.
• Act as a technical liaison between engineering teams and end users, clarifying complex operational needs into actionable requirements.

Ideal Candidate Background

• 2–4 years of software engineering experience with a proven track record of delivering production-quality systems.
• Experience working in dynamic environments, such as the field or on-site with customers, under operational demands.
• Strong fundamentals in software development, with the ability to write clean and efficient code under pressure.
• Comfort with autonomy in decision-making and the ability to operate effectively with incomplete requirements.
• A keen interest in autonomous systems and a desire to innovate at the edge.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics integration, or mission-critical edge software.
• Familiarity with deploying software in operationally demanding environments, enhancing system robustness.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary for this role ranges from $135K to $200K, complemented by equity options. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of technology in a hybrid work environment, with travel opportunities as mission needs arise.