Staff Forward Deployed Engineer at Saronic

Austin, Texas, United States

Saronic Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Maritime, Autonomous SystemsIndustries

Requirements

  • 7+ years of experience developing software for autonomous or robotic systems, with demonstrated ownership of complex, mission-critical features across multiple deployments
  • Advanced proficiency in modern systems programming languages such as C++, Rust, and Python, with a focus on architecting high-performance, maintainable software for autonomy applications
  • Deep expertise in robotics, autonomy, and embedded systems, particularly within high-consequence domains such as maritime, aerospace, or defense
  • Strong command of networking and distributed systems, including experience architecting reliable communication frameworks using TCP/IP, UDP, DDS, or ROS 2
  • Extensive hands-on experience with perception systems, integrating and calibrating sensors like cameras, radar, GPS, and IMUs for real-time autonomous decision-making
  • Proven ability to debug and resolve highly complex, cross-domain issues, from embedded firmware to autonomy stack behavior under operational conditions
  • Track record of delivering autonomy software for real-world robotic platforms, especially in uncertain, dynamic, and communication-constrained environments such as open-ocean deployments
  • Expertise in autonomous navigation concepts, including motion planning, behavior trees, hybrid autonomy, and control theory, with the ability to evaluate and improve algorithms at the systems level

Responsibilities

  • Architect and lead the development of autonomy, networking, and mission execution software, setting technical direction and ensuring performance and reliability in real-world maritime operations
  • Drive field testing campaigns, overseeing the deployment of ASV systems, leading root cause analysis of autonomy, perception, and control issues, and guiding cross-functional resolution strategies
  • Lead performance analysis efforts, using data from fielded systems to inform architecture decisions and prioritize software improvements with the highest operational impact
  • Own the integration of new autonomy capabilities, ensuring system-wide compatibility and defining interfaces between software, sensing, and hardware subsystems
  • Serve as a technical liaison with operators and mission stakeholders, translating operational feedback into actionable technical requirements and shaping roadmap priorities
  • Guide the resolution of complex field issues, drawing from expertise across software, hardware, and networking layers to improve system robustness and deployment readiness
  • Mentor and influence engineering teams, facilitating cross-functional collaboration across autonomy, hardware, and field operations to align technical execution with product goals
  • Define and codify engineering best practices, creating reusable tools, documentation, and scalable workflows to support long-term system maintainability and operational reliability

Skills

Autonomy Algorithms
Networking
Software Architecture
Sensor Integration
Control Logic
Field Testing
Root Cause Analysis
Performance Analysis
Hardware Integration
Perception Systems
Mission Execution
Data Analysis

Saronic

Develops advanced autonomous surface vessels

About Saronic

Saronic Technologies develops Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) that enhance the capabilities of naval and maritime forces. These vessels utilize adaptive path planning, passive sensors, and advanced algorithms, along with edge computing, to effectively identify and track targets. They are designed to operate in challenging environments, using resilient multichannel communications to support both manned and unmanned operations. Saronic Technologies differentiates itself by focusing on military and defense clients, aiming to improve situational awareness, extend operational reach, and enhance survivability during maritime missions. The company's goal is to provide solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing operational strategies or support new maritime tactics, generating revenue through the sale of ASVs and related customization services.

Austin, TexasHeadquarters
2022Year Founded
$223.7MTotal Funding
SERIES_BCompany Stage
DefenseIndustries
201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
Stock Options
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance

Risks

Increased competition from other defense tech startups threatens Saronic's market share.
Rapid AI advancements may require costly updates to maintain competitive ASV systems.
Geopolitical tensions could hinder international collaborations and foreign government sales.

Differentiation

Saronic integrates AI, hardware, and software into scalable, fully integrated maritime platforms.
Their ASVs feature adaptive path planning and advanced algorithms for effective target tracking.
Saronic's multichannel communications enable seamless manned-unmanned teaming in contested environments.

Upsides

Raised $175M in Series B funding, reaching a $1 billion valuation in 2024.
Growing demand for autonomous vessels in defense and commercial sectors boosts market potential.
AI integration in ASVs enhances decision-making and operational efficiency for maritime missions.

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