Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Exclusive)

Who is Recruiting from Scratch:Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner closely with our clients to deeply understand their needs, then connect them with top-tier candidates who are not only highly skilled but also the right fit for the company’s culture and vision. Our mission is simple: place the best people in the right roles to drive long-term success for both clients and candidates.Role: Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Exclusive)Location: Austin, TX or San Diego, CA
Company Stage: Series B Venture-backed Startup
Office Type: On-site (5 Days a Week)
Salary: $120K — $160K + EquityCompany Description Our client is a fast-growing venture-backed defense technology company building autonomous surface vessels that enhance maritime security and mission operations. Their platforms combine advanced hardware, software, and AI to deliver cutting-edge autonomy, perception, and control systems capable of operating in complex real-world environments.As a third-party recruiting partner, we’re helping this company expand their forward deployment engineering team — where innovation meets real-world impact. If you’re eager to build systems that leave the lab and perform in live mission conditions, this is the role for you.What You Will Do Develop and optimize autonomy, networking, and mission execution software for real-world maritime environments.Deploy, test, and refine autonomous systems directly in the field, iterating based on mission data and feedback.Integrate and validate software with diverse sensors — including radar, GPS, LiDAR, and vision systems.Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, hardware, and operations teams to enhance reliability and system performance.Work hands-on with customers and end-users to understand operational needs and shape product direction.Troubleshoot and debug complex software, networking, and system-level challenges during field deployments.Document and streamline deployment and debugging processes to support future scalability.This is a high-impact, field-oriented engineering role that blends deep software development with real-world system deployment.Ideal Candidate Background 2–10 years of software engineering experience , ideally in robotics, autonomy, or embedded systems.Proven experience developing in C++ , Rust , or Python within Linux-based environments .Strong understanding of networking protocols , distributed systems, and real-time data handling.Demonstrated ability to debug and improve complex integrated hardware/software systems.Experience integrating or deploying software in field conditions or mission-critical applications.Comfortable working directly with operators or customers in fast-paced, hands-on settings.Eligible to work on U.S.-based defense programs (U.S. Person status required as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).Preferred Qualifications Prior experience at defense tech or autonomy companies (e.g., Anduril, Skydio, Saildrone, Epirus).Background in sensor fusion , robotics operating systems (ROS) , or control systems .Exposure to computer vision frameworks (e.g., YOLO) or Kalman filtering .Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering , or related technical discipline.Excited by travel (up to 50%+) and hands-on system deployment in maritime environments.Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $120K — $160K (commensurate with experience)Equity: Stock options in a fast-growing venture-backed companyBenefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k); paid time off; and travel per diems for field workAdditional Perks: Opportunity to work on mission-critical, high-impact systems with real operational outcomesDirect visibility into product deployment and customer impactFast-moving startup culture — no bureaucracy, high ownership, and rapid iteration cyclesJoin a team that’s redefining maritime autonomy.
If you’re a hands-on engineer who loves seeing your code power real-world missions, we’d love to connect.

Recruiting From Scratch