Forward Deployed Engineer
Auterion
San Francisco, CA · Posted September 29, 2026
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November 2026
- #1Best cities for security jobs316 openings · of 20
- #1Best cities for technology jobs7,178 openings · of 100
- #1Best cities for financial services pay after cost of living$173k · of 33
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- #1Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the West Coast35% · of 54
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast902 jobs · of 47
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 103 open forward deployed engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $160,000 to $215,000 and the median is $195,000.
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Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Auterion, you will develop, integrate, and deploy Auterion-powered drone systems, working across embedded software, cloud infrastructure, avionics, and flight operations.
You’ll act as a technical interface for customers and partners, translating mission requirements into practical solutions using AuterionOS, Skynode, and PX4. This is a hands-on role involving software development, system integration, troubleshooting, and field testing.
Responsibilities and Duties
Develop and maintain edge software in C/C++ and Python on Linux-based platforms such as Jetson and Skynode.
Build containerized services using Docker and integrate edge systems with cloud infrastructure.
Implement reliable communication and data pipelines using REST, gRPC, MQTT, WebSockets, and MAVLink.
Manage firmware flashing, vehicle configuration, sensor calibration, system bring-up, and software releases.
Integrate and troubleshoot avionics, sensors, payloads, communications, and other vehicle systems.
Participate in flight testing, customer demonstrations, system validation, and field deployments.
Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, networking, and Linux integration issues.
Collaborate with hardware, firmware, cloud, production, operations, and QC teams.
Act as a technical lead in customer engagements and translate mission requirements into system solutions.
Contribute to CI/CD, testing, documentation, cybersecurity, and continuous engineering improvements.
Feed customer and field requirements back into product and engineering teams.
Travel as needed for integration, testing, and customer deployments.
Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software, Electrical, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Aviation, or a related field.
5+ years of software engineering experience, with strong C/C++ and Python skills on Linux.
Experience with embedded, edge, companion-computer, or IoT platforms.
Experience with PX4 or similar autopilot systems; MAVLink experience is a plus.
Understanding of networking and embedded protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, TCP/IP.
Experience with Docker, cloud APIs, distributed systems, and CI/CD.
Familiarity with UAV flight testing, avionics, flight control, and hardware/software integration.
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and customer-facing skills.
Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
Passion for drones and autonomous systems.
Willingness to travel.
U.S. citizenship required; eligibility for Secret clearance preferred.
Benefits
Flexible working hours
Stock Options
Unlimited PTO
Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
Medical flex spending
Life Insurance
Retirement Plan - 401k
Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
Learning and development opportunities
About Auterion
We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.
At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.