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Third Wave Automation is a Series C-funded startup applying machine learning to materials handling, delivering autonomous forklift navigation and infrastructure-free pallet handling that adapts to changing warehouse environments. The company is seeking a Senior Robotics Field Engineer to join the Deployment Operations team, responsible for setup, integration, and maintenance of autonomous forklifts at customer sites.
In this role, you will own customer deployments as a technical lead alongside the Field Engineering Manager, making go/no-go decisions on system readiness. You'll lead and coordinate the full lifecycle of autonomous forklift deployment—from initial setup through go-live and ongoing support. Key responsibilities include debugging the on-site stack from first principles (Linux, networking, services, logs/telemetry, integrations), performing hands-on hardware work (parts replacement, retrofits, field upgrades), and managing site system configuration while planning improvements for future deployments.
You'll serve as the primary technical interface with customers and internal teams (Customer Success, Product, Engineering), reporting on fleet adoption metrics, utilization issues, and escalating technical risks. You'll also interface with warehouse management systems (WMS), provide comprehensive training to customers on fleet operation and best practices, and turn field learnings into scalable documentation—implementation playbooks, optimization notes, and runbooks that other engineers can execute independently.
Additionally, you'll write tools and scripts to automate repetitive setup and debug work, leverage LLMs and coding assistants for log triage and diagnostics, and support on-site product testing with detailed feedback. The role includes 50-70% travel and may require weekend/odd-hours availability.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; 6+ years of field experience coordinating with customers across robotics (hardware, software, network); outstanding customer relationship management skills; industrial automation and machinery repair experience; Linux command-line proficiency; and ability to obtain forklift certification. Programming experience (Python, C++) is preferred. Physical requirements include bending, climbing, crawling, moderate lifting/carrying (15-44 lbs), and mobility throughout warehouse environments.
