Job Description
Forward Deployed EngineerAre you looking for an opportunity to make an impact at a fast-growing, investor-backed AI/ML company and take cutting-edge AI perception technology out of the lab and into the field? Tocaro Blue is seeking a versatile Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) to be on the road as the link between our ProteusCore™ and ApolloCore™ platforms and real-world mission success. You will be responsible for deploying and integrating our systems in operationally relevant maritime environments-directly supporting customers in the field, primarily on Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) programs.
This will be a hands-on forward deployed role with extensive travel requirements.Role SummaryWe're seeking a hands-on engineer to join our team in an essential role supporting the forward deployment and implementation of our AI perception systems on client platforms. In this position, you'll be responsible for client integration support and the customization of Tocaro Blue software products to ensure success on client vessels and missions.
This role sits at the intersection of marine technology and artificial intelligence, offering the opportunity to work with unique sensors and contribute to cutting-edge autonomous systems for maritime applications.
Responsibilities- Serve as a multidisciplinary field engineer responsible for the mechanical, electrical, and software integration of ProteusCore™, ApolloCore™, and marine sensor payloads onto client vessels, USVs, and maritime platforms
- Deploy and test ProteusCore™ and ApolloCore™ in the field, identifying and resolving issues related to networking, perception, sensor fusion, and system performance in real-world maritime conditions
- Perform system installation, integration, and troubleshooting of power, networking, sensor, and compute subsystems, including high-performance GPU edge hardware
- Own dockside and sea trials-prepare vessels, install new hardware and software packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environments
- Analyze performance data from real-world missions and deployments, using insights to drive improvements to software performance
- Work directly with operators and end-users, gathering feedback and adapting the system to operational requirements
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including our ML engineering, product, and field operations personnel-to evolve and harden system designs and enhance product capabilities
- Document deployment procedures, best practices, and debugging workflows to improve system reliability and scale our deployment operations
- Providing product-use and troubleshooting assistance to clients based on your own on-water experiences
Required qualifications- Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, naval architecture or a related field
- Two years of experience in Information Technology, specifically experience configuring Local Networks (e.g. using NMCLI).
- Experience working with a Linux-based operating system
- Comfort interacting with technical and business clients; installing and demonstrating software, training clients on expected system performance
- Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to create and follow a plan
- Hands-on expertise in electrical integration (power systems, cabling, connectors) and mechanical assembly and fabrication
- Ability to diagnose and debug complex systems, from low-level networking and hardware faults to high-level perception and autonomy behaviors
- Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water, with frequent travel to client test sites (often up to 75% per month)
- Comfort working with tools such as wrenches, power tools, and basic electrical test equipment
Preferred qualifications - 2+ years of experience working on marine electronics, integrated electromechanical or software systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments
- Software engineering ability, with experience in Python, C++, Rust, or similar languages for hardware bring-up, test automation, and system debugging
- Experience with autonomous systems, USVs, boats and ships
- Experience integrating and working with sensors such as radar, cameras (EO/IR), GPS, and IMUs, especially in perception-driven autonomy applications
- Familiarity with ruggedized or IP-rated hardware and electronics design
Compensation & Commitment- $80,000 - $120,000 salary, with potential for incentive equity compensation
- 401(k) with matching (up to 4% of salary), Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability Insurance
- Very frequent travel, home based out of our engineering office in Birmingham, AL
- In-house training on tools and techniques
- Ability to work on US Government Contracts (typically limited to US Citizens)
