Field Applications Engineer

Field Applications Engineer (Demo Engineer)

The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren't just "innovating"—we are building the shield.

Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack.

While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm's way. We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission-driven builders who value field-ready capability over polished slide decks. If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month, not next year, this is your playground.

We are seeking a Field Applications Engineer (Demo Engineer) to serve as the critical bridge between our engineering lab and real-world deployment. You will be the hands-on expert responsible for bringing our autonomous c-sUAS platforms to life in front of active-duty end users, government partners, and key stakeholders.

From flashing software builds and calibrating multi-sensor payloads in the lab to operating systems and troubleshooting hardware live on the test range, you ensure zero-fail execution when the pressure is on.

• Demo Operations & Execution:
  Lead live, dynamic flight and target-tracking demonstrations in field environments, operating autonomous counter-drone systems flawlessly under high-stakes conditions.

• System Preparation & Hardware Setup:
  Prepare, assemble, and check complex autonomous hardware and edge-compute systems prior to field tests and customer demonstrations.

• On-Site & Field Calibration:
  Perform precise hardware and sensor alignment, including bore sighting, thermal/EO camera focusing, lens calibration, and multi-sensor orientation.

• Software Deployment & Validation:
  Flash latest software builds, test system stability, perform integration tests, and ensure firmware/software readiness for field trials.

• Rapid Field Troubleshooting:
  Diagnose and resolve unexpected hardware, software, networking, and sensor issues on the fly with minimal downtime during field trials.

• Feedback Loop:
  Serve as the direct link between field reality and R&D, capturing detailed telemetry, edge cases, and user feedback to inform engineering rapid iteration cycles.

• Hands-on Field/Demo
  
  Experience:
  
  Demonstrated experience deploying, operating, or troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems in real-world or live-fire test range environments.

• Technical Calibration
  
  Skills:
  
  Practical experience with optical/camera calibration (focus, bore sighting), sensor alignment, and field validation techniques.

• System Administration & Tooling:
  Proficient in Linux CLI environments, firmware/software flashing tools, and basic networking/telemetry debugging.

• Hardware & Electronics Proficiency:
  Experience with harness assembly, field repair, cable building, and multimeters/oscilloscopes for quick edge-side hardware fixes.

• Travel &
  
  Physical Requirements:
  
  Willingness to travel to outdoor testing sites and demonstration ranges; comfortable working outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.

• Compliance:
  This position requires access to export-controlled information under ITAR. Only U.S. citizens are permitted. Must be willing to submit a background check.

• Prior experience with robotics, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), counter-UAS (c-UAS), or defense range operations.

• Familiarity with thermal/IR optics, RF sensors, or embedded Linux environments (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson).

• Prior defense startup experience or military background in range safety/flight test operations.

• Security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

• A passion for building or engineering robotics or electronics as a hobby.

• Meaningful Early Equity:
  You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.

• Direct Roadmap Influence:
  Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will…