Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Saronic Technologies supports engineers who want to build and improve autonomy software in real-world maritime operations. This onsite Austin role blends hands-on field work with deep systems engineering, helping drive reliable autonomous performance through testing, incident response, and continuous iteration. Alongside a competitive total rewards package, the role includes comprehensive insurance coverage, paid leave, and performance-based compensation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of autonomy, networking, and mission execution software for robust performance in dynamic maritime environments
• Own field testing and deployment strategies, validating autonomy, perception, and control systems under operational conditions while proactively identifying systemic issues
• Analyze mission-critical performance data and convert operational insights into software improvements that increase reliability, responsiveness, and overall system behavior
• Architect and integrate new autonomy capabilities with compatibility across software, sensors, and vessel hardware using a modular, scalable design
• Partner with operators, mission planners, and end-users to translate feedback into actionable requirements and guide the evolution of the autonomy stack
• Lead incident response and root cause analysis for complex problems across software, hardware, and networking layers, then implement durable fixes to strengthen resilience
• Mentor and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align autonomy development with product and mission goals while elevating engineering practices
• Establish and maintain technical standards, author deployment protocols, diagnostic tools, and documentation to support scaling autonomy across operational fleets

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems, with strong software engineering fundamentals
• Proficiency in C++, Rust, Python (or similar) with experience building performance-critical systems
• Deep technical background in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems, with emphasis on maritime, aerospace, or defense contexts
• Strong networking and distributed systems knowledge, including TCP/IP, UDP, DDS, and message-passing frameworks such as ROS and ZeroMQ
• Hands-on experience integrating perception sensors including cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs, with focus on real-time sensor fusion
• Proven ability to debug and resolve complex cross-disciplinary issues spanning software, hardware, networking, and autonomy behavior
• Experience adapting autonomy systems to real-world constraints such as variable environments, limited communications, and platform-specific limitations
• Ability and willingness to lead field deployments (up to 50%), with a track record of testing and refining autonomous systems in operational maritime or expeditionary contexts
• Expertise in motion planning, control systems, and behavior architectures including behavior trees and adaptive navigation algorithms
• Domain knowledge in maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technology with awareness of mission-critical operational needs
• Familiarity with distributed autonomy and multi-agent coordination including decentralized planning and task-sharing in communication-limited settings
• Leadership across system integration, testing, and operationalization in collaboration with engineering, product, and field teams

Technologies

• C++, Rust, Python
• TCP/IP, UDP, DDS, ROS, ZeroMQ
• Cameras, radar, GPS, IMUs
• Behavior trees

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Generous PTO and Holidays
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Competitive Salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) plan
• Equity options (Stock Options)
• Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

• If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status
• Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits
• We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities