As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Auterion, you will develop, integrate, and deploy Auterion-powered drone systems, working across embedded software, cloud infrastructure, avionics, and flight operations.
You'll act as a technical interface for customers and partners, translating mission requirements into practical solutions using AuterionOS, Skynode, and PX4. This is a hands-on role involving software development, system integration, troubleshooting, and field testing.
Responsibilities and Duties- Develop and maintain edge software in C/C++ and Python on Linux-based platforms such as Jetson and Skynode.
- Build containerized services using Docker and integrate edge systems with cloud infrastructure.
- Implement reliable communication and data pipelines using REST, gRPC, MQTT, WebSockets, and MAVLink.
- Manage firmware flashing, vehicle configuration, sensor calibration, system bring-up, and software releases.
- Integrate and troubleshoot avionics, sensors, payloads, communications, and other vehicle systems.
- Participate in flight testing, customer demonstrations, system validation, and field deployments.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, networking, and Linux integration issues.
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, cloud, production, operations, and QC teams.
- Act as a technical lead in customer engagements and translate mission requirements into system solutions.
- Contribute to CI/CD, testing, documentation, cybersecurity, and continuous engineering improvements.
- Feed customer and field requirements back into product and engineering teams.
- Travel as needed for integration, testing, and customer deployments.
Qualifications and Skills- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software, Electrical, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation, or a related field.
- 5+ years of software engineering experience, with strong C/C++ and Python skills on Linux.
- Experience with embedded, edge, companion-computer, or IoT platforms.
- Experience with PX4 or similar autopilot systems; MAVLink experience is a plus.
- Understanding of networking and embedded protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, TCP/IP.
- Experience with Docker, cloud APIs, distributed systems, and CI/CD.
- Familiarity with UAV flight testing, avionics, flight control, and hardware/software integration.
- Strong troubleshooting, communication, and customer-facing skills.
- Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
- Passion for drones and autonomous systems.
- Willingness to travel.
- U.S. citizenship required; eligibility for Secret clearance preferred.
Benefits - Flexible working hours
- Stock Options
- Unlimited PTO
- Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
- Medical flex spending
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan - 401k
- Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
- Learning and development opportunities
