Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.Job OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer who will be at the forefront of integrating, deploying, and improving our autonomous systems in real-world environments. You will work hands-on with software, networking, and autonomy, ensuring our autonomous service vessels perform reliably in operational settings. This role blends software development, field deployment, and problem-solving to ensure our technology delivers real mission impact. You will be deeply engaged in debugging and optimizing autonomy algorithms, refining system performance based on real-world data, and working closely with end-users to adapt our technology to mission needs. Whether troubleshooting networking issues, improving sensor integration, or refining control logic, you will play a critical role in making our systems more capable and reliable. You will be the link between groundbreaking autonomy technology and real-world success. You will work on the front lines of maritime autonomy, ensuring our systems operate effectively in the environments where they matter most. You will impact mission success and shape the future of autonomous maritime operations.Responsibilities Lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced software systems for autonomy, networking, and mission execution, with a focus on robust performance in dynamic maritime environmentsDrive field testing and deployment strategies, overseeing validation of autonomy, perception, and control systems under operational conditions, and proactively identifying systemic issuesOwn the analysis of mission-critical performance data, translating operational insights into high-impact software improvements that enhance system behavior, reliability, and responsivenessArchitect and integrate new autonomy capabilities, ensuring compatibility across software, sensors, and vessel hardware, while maintaining a modular and scalable system designPartner directly with operators, mission planners, and end-users, translating feedback into actionable requirements and guiding the evolution of the autonomy stack to meet mission needsLead incident response and root cause analysis for complex issues spanning software, hardware, and networking layers, and implement durable solutions that strengthen system resilienceMentor and collaborate with cross-functional teams, aligning autonomy development with broader product and mission goals, and elevating engineering practices across the organizationEstablish and maintain technical standards, authoring deployment protocols, diagnostic tools, and documentation to support the reliable scaling of autonomy systems in operational fleetsQualifications5+ years of experience developing autonomy or robotics systems, with a strong foundation in software engineeringProficient programming skills in C++, Rust, Python, or similar languages, with experience building and maintaining performance-critical systemsDeep technical background in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems, particularly within maritime, aerospace, or defense sectorsStrong understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, DDS, and message-passing frameworks (e.g., ROS, ZeroMQ)Extensive hands-on experience with perception sensors such as cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs, with emphasis on integration and real-time sensor fusionProven ability to debug and resolve complex, cross-disciplinary issues, spanning software, hardware, networking, and autonomy behaviorExperience adapting autonomy systems to real-world constraints, including variable environments, limited communications, and platform-specific limitationsWillingness and capability to lead field deployments (up to 50%), with a history of testing and refining autonomous systems in operational maritime or expeditionary contextsExpertise in motion planning, control systems, and behavior architectures, including behavior trees and adaptive navigation algorithmsDomain knowledge in maritime systems, naval operations, or defense technology, with an understanding of mission-critical operational needsFamiliarity with distributed autonomy and multi-agent coordination, including decentralized planning and task-sharing in communication-limited settingsLeadership in system integration, testing, and operationalization, collaborating across engineering, product, and field teams to deliver robust, deployable systemsBenefitsMedical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of servicesDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision careSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependentsTime Off: Generous PTO and HolidaysParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parentsCompetitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonusesRetirement Plan: 401(k) planStock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s successLife and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverageAdditional 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 computerOccasional standing and walking within the officeManual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipmentVisual acuity to read screens, documents, and reportsOccasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office suppliesLifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California EmployeesIf this role is based in the United States, it 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).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