Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Saronic Technologies
San Diego, CA, United States
3 months ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Experience level
Experienced
Experience required
3 years minimum
Working hours
Regular working hours
Job source

Tech stack

Board Bringup 3D Printing Computer-Aided Design Automation of Tests SolidWorks (CAD) Software Debugging Linux Distributed Systems Hardware Design Python (Programming Language) Network Protocols Rapid Prototyping Process
+4 more
Shell Script System Testing Systems Integration TCP/IP

Job description

We are seeking a versatile Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer to join our technical team. You will have a strong mechanical and electrical background and be responsible for bringing our technology from the lab to the fleet.

This is not a traditional engineering role. You will be responsible for deploying our systems into the real world, directly supporting maritime missions. You will integrate cutting-edge mechanical and electrical payloads, debug complex system-level problems, and iterate hardware designs in the field to ensure success. This is a highly hands-on and field-oriented role with time split between the lab, fabrication spaces, and the waterfront., * Serve as a multidisciplinary field engineer responsible for mechanical and electrical integration of novel systems and payloads onto our Autonomous Service Vessels (ASVs) and maritime platforms

  • Lead rapid prototyping efforts to support field experimentation and platform evolution
  • Perform system bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting of power, networking, sensors, and compute subsystems
  • Own dockside and sea trials - prepare vessels, install new hardware packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environments
  • Drive design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback into hardware product development
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Autonomy Engineers, to evolve and harden system designs
  • Interface with suppliers and fabrication shops to support fast turnarounds of custom components and harnesses
  • Contribute to documentation and training to support the scaling of deployment and manufacturing, * Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Occasional standing and walking within the office
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Requirements

Do you have experience in Distributed computing?, Do you have a Master’s degree?, * Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus

  • 3+ years of experience working on integrated electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments
  • Hands-on expertise in Mechanical assembly and fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, etc.)
  • Hands-on expertise in Electrical integration (power systems, cabling, connectors, PCB bring-up)
  • Hands-on expertise in rapid prototyping and system-level debugging
  • Comfort working with tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar), basic electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes), and field integration setups
  • Experience working with a Linux-based operating system
  • Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworks
  • Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water
  • Strong sense of ownership and bias for action
  • You thrive in real-world environments, responsible for solving open-ended problems
  • Experience working with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms is preferred
  • Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms is preferred
  • Ability to write basic software tools (e.g., Python, shell scripts) for hardware bring-up or test automation is preferred
  • Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design is preferred
  • Experience in systems integration or test engineering is preferred

Benefits & conditions

Pulled from the full job description

  • Paid parental leave
  • Food provided
  • Parental leave
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance, * Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
  • Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
  • Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
  • Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
  • Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
  • Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
  • Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
  • Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

About the company

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.

Apply for this position

This job is hosted externally. Click below to view the full posting and apply.

Apply on indeed.com

Good distractions

Talks and stories from around this role — technically off-topic, practically not.

52 sec

Running persistent Linux environments directly on Windows

Ben Breard Ben Breard · WWC 2025

5:02 min

Mapping distributed compute paradigms to modern vehicles

Joachim Werner · LIVE

2:12 min

Constructing the robot body from cardboard to 3D printing

Iulia Feroli Iulia Feroli · WWC Europe 2026

1:39 min

Core skills required for robust robotic systems

Falk-Moritz Schaefer · WWC 2022

2:39 min

Experiencing core Linux capabilities for DevOps administration

Michael Cade · LIVE

2:12 min

Transitioning from adjacent functions into software engineering roles

Philipp Frauenthaler +1 · LIVE

Videos

See all

Related articles

See all