SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Saronic Technologies is seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to integrate, deploy, and improve autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) in real-world maritime environments. This role bridges software development, field deployment, and problem-solving to deliver mission-critical autonomy systems.
You will work hands-on with autonomy algorithms, networking, and sensor integration, debugging and optimizing system performance based on real-world operational data. Key responsibilities include developing and refining software for autonomy, networking, and mission execution; deploying and testing ASV software in the field; analyzing performance data from real-world missions to drive improvements; integrating and validating new autonomy features; working directly with operators and end-users to adapt systems to operational requirements; troubleshooting software, hardware, and networking issues; collaborating with cross-functional teams (autonomy engineers, hardware developers, field operations); and documenting best practices and deployment procedures.
This role is ideal for engineers who want to see their code run on real vessels in actual missions, enjoy tackling integration and deployment challenges in unpredictable conditions, and prefer solving problems through code rather than presentations. You will be the technical expert on-site, working independently through complex issues and translating loosely defined customer needs into practical solutions. The role includes significant field time (up to 50% travel) testing and improving systems in real-world maritime settings, with priorities that can shift based on demos, weather, and mission needs.
This is NOT a pilot/flight test role, not primarily hardware-focused (though occasional hands-on hardware support may occur), and does not offer fully predictable schedules or traditional office-based work.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Strong software engineering skills in C++, Rust, Python, or similar languages
- Background in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems, particularly in maritime, aerospace, or defense applications
- Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems (TCP/IP, UDP, message-passing frameworks)
- Experience with sensors (cameras, radar, GPS, IMUs) in perception-driven autonomy applications
- Ability to diagnose and debug complex systems from low-level networking to high-level autonomy behaviors
- Ability to work in dynamic environments where software must adapt to real-world constraints
- Willingness to travel up to 50% for field testing and system improvement
- Experience developing autonomy software for real-world robotic systems in challenging environments
Preferred:
- Familiarity with motion planning, behavior trees, and control algorithms for autonomous navigation
- Background in maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technology
- Knowledge of distributed autonomy architectures and multi-agent coordination
- Hands-on experience integrating and deploying robotic systems in the field
