Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Overland AI•Tacoma, WA

12d•$120,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a field-forward, Software Engineer to deploy, operate, sustain, and iterate on autonomous ground-vehicle software systems in real operational environments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of software development and field operations, is comfortable debugging systems live on vehicles, and enjoys working directly with end users to deliver mission-ready autonomy. This is not a desk-only role. You will spend significant time deployed at test sites, customer locations, and operational events, working hands-on with autonomous systems, diagnosing software and system-level issues, and ensuring platforms perform reliably in challenging, real-world conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or 5–8 years of equivalent professional experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Strong software engineering fundamentals with experience deploying systems beyond the lab.
Proficiency in Python and/or C++.
Experience working in Linux-based environments, including debugging software in the field.
Familiarity with robotics and autonomous systems (e.g., ROS, autonomy stacks, distributed systems).
Experience integrating software with real-world hardware systems (sensors, compute, networking).
Understanding of autonomous system sensors such as LiDAR and cameras.
Comfort debugging complex, system-level issues involving software, hardware, and networking.
Ability to operate independently in challenging environments, including adverse weather and remote locations.
Thrive in dynamic, cross-functional teams and small startup environments.
Experience deploying software in defense technology, deep tech, robotics, or startup environments.
Prior experience supporting software during live demos, tests, or operational events.
Willingness to co-locate at testing sites or military installations for extended periods, both CONUS and OCONUS.

Responsibilities

Deploy and Field-Test Systems: Deploy, configure, and evaluate autonomy software on uncrewed ground vehicles in real-world environments. When not traveling, you will support system integration, simulation, and field testing between our Seattle and Central Washington State locations.
Sustain and Troubleshoot: Debug and resolve software, autonomy, networking, and system-integration issues during deployments, often under time pressure and in resource-constrained environments. Work directly on vehicles alongside hardware engineers to diagnose failures and implement practical fixes to keep systems operational.
Develop and Iterate: Contribute to autonomy, perception, and system-level software development. Incorporate feedback from field operations and end users to rapidly improve reliability, performance, and usability.
Collaborate Across Teams: Partner closely with hardware engineers, autonomy engineers, product, and program managers to ensure seamless deployment and alignment with mission and end-user needs.
Document and Analyze: Maintain clear documentation of field performance, bugs, and lessons learned. Provide actionable recommendations to improve software robustness and operational readiness.
Train and Support Users: Act as an on-site technical expert, training operators and users on system behavior, limitations, and troubleshooting. Support operational readiness before and during deployments.