Job Description
🚁 Robotics Engineer (Forward Deployed) | UAVs, Aerial Autonomy | Remote (US)
We’re working with one of the most exciting venture-backed robotics startups in the defense-tech space, building real-time autonomous systems that are deployed directly into the field and used by operators in live environments. Backed by leading defense-focused investors, this team develops mission-critical aerial autonomy software that integrates into next-generation defense platforms.
They are hiring a Robotics Engineer to join a small, high-impact engineering team. This role is ideal for someone who has built UAV or drone software hands-on, taken systems from early concept through prototype, and enjoys working directly with customers to shape real-world robotic systems.
What you’ll be working on:
- Designing and developing end-to-end UAV and aerial robotics software for defense-focused use cases
- Building and iterating on autonomous systems using C++, Python, and ROS
- Prototyping UAV capabilities, running flight tests, gathering operator feedback, and refining rapidly
- Integrating navigation, mapping, computer vision, and sensor systems into a unified platform
- Working directly with operators and external stakeholders to understand system behavior in the field
- Debugging, troubleshooting, and optimizing systems for reliability in real-world environments
- Collaborating closely with autonomy, hardware, and product teams from lab to deployment
What you’ll bring:
- Hands-on experience developing software for drones or UAVs
- Strong proficiency in C++ with solid robotics software fundamentals
- Experience working with navigation, mapping, or computer vision systems
- Familiarity with ROS and real-time sensor data pipelines
- Comfort operating without rigid requirements and iterating through trial and error
- A systems-level mindset, able to connect multiple parts of the robotics stack into a working solution
- Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with customers and operators
Bonus points for:
- PX4 or Ardupilot flight controller experience
- Startup or founding team experience with exceptional scope
- University robotics or drone competition teams
- SLAM, path planning, or perception integration experience
- Hands-on hardware or prototyping exposure
Why this role?
- Work on cutting-edge UAV autonomy with real-world deployment
- Join a fast-moving, VC-backed startup with significant ownership and impact
- Full benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and flexibility
- See your software used directly by operators in critical environments
This role is open to US-based engineers only.
US Citizenship or Green Card required (ITAR compliant).
Apply now or for more information, please contact Ciara Holmes at EVONA