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Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer
Saronic Technologies
Other Engineering
Austin, TX, USA
Posted on Jul 1, 2025
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a versatile Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer to join our technical team. You will have a strong mechanical and electrical background and be responsible for bringing our technology from the lab to the fleet.
This is not a traditional engineering role. You will be responsible for deploying our systems into the real world, directly supporting maritime missions. You will integrate cutting-edge mechanical and electrical payloads, debug complex system-level problems, and iterate hardware designs in the field to ensure success. This is a highly hands-on and field-oriented role with time split between the lab, fabrication spaces, and the waterfront.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a multidisciplinary field engineer responsible for mechanical and electrical integration of novel systems and payloads onto our Autonomous Service Vessels (ASVs) and maritime platforms
- Lead rapid prototyping efforts to support field experimentation and platform evolution
- Perform system bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting of power, networking, sensors, and compute subsystems
- Own dockside and sea trials - prepare vessels, install new hardware packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environments
- Drive design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback into hardware product development
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Autonomy Engineers, to evolve and harden system designs
- Interface with suppliers and fabrication shops to support fast turnarounds of custom components and harnesses
- Contribute to documentation and training to support the scaling of deployment and manufacturing
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus
- 3+ years of experience working on integrated electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments
- Hands-on expertise in Mechanical assembly and fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, etc.)
- Hands-on expertise in Electrical integration (power systems, cabling, connectors, PCB bring-up)
- Hands-on expertise in rapid prototyping and system-level debugging
- Comfort working with tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar), basic electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes), and field integration setups
- Experience working with a Linux-based operating system
- Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworks
- Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water
- Strong sense of ownership and bias for action
- You thrive in real-world environments, responsible for solving open-ended problems
- Experience working with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms is preferred
- Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms is preferred
- Ability to write basic software tools (e.g., Python, shell scripts) for hardware bring-up or test automation is preferred
- Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design is preferred
- Experience in systems integration or test engineering is preferred
Benefits
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
- Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
- Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Additional Perks: 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)
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).