Forward Deployed Engineer
Forward Deployed Engineer
Location: Austin, TX (On-site, with up to 50% travel)
Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance
About NODA
NODA is a veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors.
Our Forward Deployed Engineers serve as the critical bridge between our orchestration platform and real-world deployment environments, building the software integrations that enable diverse autonomous systems to work together seamlessly.
Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.
The Role
We are looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer to lead software integration and deployment of our multi-domain autonomous orchestration platform with customers and partners. This role focuses on building the adapters, interfaces, and integration layers that connect our orchestration engine to diverse autonomous vehicles, sensors, and third-party systems in operational environments.
You'll work at the intersection of our core platform and customer/partner ecosystems, translating high-level orchestration tasks into platform-specific commands, integrating environmental data into our world model, and deploying our software in complex, constrained network environments. This is a software-centric role requiring strong full-stack engineering skills, systems integration expertise, and the ability to operate independently in customer and partner facilities.
While you'll spend significant time on deployment and integration work, you'll also contribute strategically to our core platform, building shared libraries, reusable integration components, and deployment tooling that accelerate future integrations. You serve as a direct link between customer needs and platform development, funneling product requirements back to core engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
Software Integration & Deployment
Build adapters and translation layers that connect our orchestration platform to diverse autonomous vehicle control protocols and APIs (MAVLink, custom vehicle APIs, etc.)
Develop interfaces for new sensors and payloads, integrating their data streams into our world model
Create integrations with third-party C2 systems (ATAK, TAK Server, etc.) and other software platforms in the autonomy stack
Map high-level orchestration tasks to platform-specific behaviors and commands for each vehicle type
Transform and integrate environmental data from various sources into our common data representation
Deploy and configure ML models in operational environments
Design and implement custom network configurations for multi-domain connectivity, handling degraded/intermittent links, secure networks (VPNs, firewalls), and air-ground-sea communication scenarios
Customer & Partner Technical Leadership
Serve as technical liaison between customers/partners and internal engineering teams
Lead on-site integration efforts at partner facilities (vehicle manufacturers, sensor providers, component suppliers)
Conduct technical demonstrations and training sessions for customers and operators
Translate operational requirements and field feedback into actionable product improvements
Support pre-sales technical discussions and scoping for customer engagements
Validate partner platforms and third-party integrations in operational settings
Platform Contributions
Build shared libraries and reusable integration components that accelerate future deployments
Develop deployment tooling and automation for software delivery in secure, constrained environments
Extend our behavior library with new capabilities based on platform-specific features
Contribute bug fixes and improvements affecting customer deployments
Document integration patterns and best practices
Funnel product requirements from field learnings back to core engineering and product teams
Field Operations Support
Execute system validation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization in real-world environments
Provide technical support during live demonstrations and operational deployments
Collect and analyze system performance data, integration issues, and failure modes
Develop deployment documentation and troubleshooting guides
Debug integration issues discovered during field testing
Required Qualifications
3+ years of software engineering experience building integrations, APIs, or distributed systems
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++ for building integrations, adapters, and automation
Experience with networked systems and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, routing, subnetting)
Advanced Linux proficiency (command line, scripting, debugging, remote system administration)
Experience integrating with external APIs, protocols, or hardware systems
Proven ability to understand complex technical systems and build translation/adapter layers
Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across software boundaries
Professional communication skills for engaging customers, partners, and engineering teams
Comfortable with 50% travel to customer sites, partner facilities, test ranges, and remote locations
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned vehicles (UAS, UGV, USV, UUV)
Hands-on experience with vehicle control protocols (MAVLink, ROS/ROS2, custom vehicle APIs)
DevSecOps experience deploying software in secure, constrained, or classified environments
Experience with tactical communications systems and C2 software (ATAK, TAK Server, Link 16, etc.)
Knowledge of ML model deployment and inference optimization
Background in RF communications, link budgets, or connectivity troubleshooting
Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, or firmware interfaces
Familiarity with sensor integration (cameras, LIDAR, radar, EO/IR, RF)
Prior forward deployed, field engineering, or customer-facing technical role experience
Experience with DoD environments, military test protocols, ITAR compliance, or cybersecurity requirements
Existing security clearance
Skills & Attributes
Technical Skills:
Full-stack software development with focus on integrations and APIs
Systems thinking and ability to understand complex multi-system architectures
Data transformation and protocol translation expertise
Network configuration and troubleshooting in operational environments
Software deployment and configuration management
Customer-Facing Skills:
Strong customer presence for defense demonstrations and partner engagements
Ability to translate between technical and operational language
Professional communication and presentation abilities
Customer empathy and service mindset
Crisis management and composure under pressure
Operational Skills:
Self-directed problem-solver who thrives in ambiguous situations
Startup adaptability and comfort with rapidly changing requirements
Strong documentation discipline
Project management and prioritization
Performs effectively in mission-critical field environments
What We Offer
Hybrid-friendly when not traveling
Competitive pay
Flexible time off
Generous PTO policy
Federal holidays
Generous health, dental, and vision benefits
Free OneMedical membership
Growth Path at NODA
Forward Deployed Engineers have multiple career progression options:
Technical track: FDE → Senior FDE → Lead FDE
Transition to Core Engineering: For those who develop strong interest in platform development
Transition to Mission Lead: For those who gravitate toward project management and coordination
Transition to Product Management: Leverage deep customer insights for product strategy
Individual contributor track: Available for those who prefer hands-on technical work
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.