Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

About Overland AI

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense by delivering autonomous ground‑vehicle technologies.

We are looking for a field‑forward Hardware Engineer to deploy, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and train end‑users on autonomous ground‑vehicle platforms in real operational environments.

• Deploy and Field‑Test Systems – Deploy and test autonomous vehicles and payloads in real‑world environments and support integration at our Seattle and Central Washington State locations.
• Sustain – Perform hands‑on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of vehicle systems including electronics, sensors, wiring, power, networking, and mechanical interfaces under time pressure and in resource‑constrained environments.
• Develop and Iterate – Contribute to hardware/software integration and enhancements, leveraging user feedback to improve autonomy capabilities.
• Collaborate Across Teams – Partner with engineers and program managers to ensure seamless deployment and alignment with end‑user needs.
• Document and Analyze – Maintain detailed records of field performance, document lessons learned, and recommend improvements.
• Train and Support Users – Provide on‑site training and support to end users/operators on system usage, maintenance, and safety.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar technical field, or 5 to 8 years of equivalent work experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

• Proven hands‑on experience working with vehicles or complex hardware systems.
• Strong mechanical engineering intuition and ability to work in ambiguous environments.
• Proficiency in robotics, sensors, networking, embedded systems, electronics, off‑road vehicle operations and maintenance.
• Comfort with electrical systems, sensors, wiring, connectors, and power systems.
• Experience with uncrewed systems and robotics software (e.g., ROS, CAN, drive‑by‑wire).
• Familiarity with autonomous system sensors (LIDAR, cameras).
• Programming knowledge in Python or C++ is a plus.
• Knowledge of field‑testing protocols and safety‑critical environments.
• Ability to operate and problem‑solve independently in challenging conditions, including adverse weather and remote locations.
• Thrive in dynamic, cross‑functional teams and small startup environments.
• Experience deploying hardware and software in defense technology, deep tech, or startup environments.
• Prior experience supporting hardware during live demos, tests, or operational events.
• Willingness to co‑locate at testing sites or military installations for extended periods, both CONUS and OCONUS.

This position is located in Washington State. When not traveling, expect to work out of our Central Washington State test site and/or our Seattle locations. Frequent, extended travel (>50%) is expected.

• Salary range: $120,000 to $150,000 annually.
• Equity compensation.
• Best‑in‑class healthcare, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible PTO.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Parental leave.

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This position may involve access to export‑controlled technology. Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact HR for support.