Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022,
Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms
. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees
, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

Mach Industries is seeking a Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer to operate, test, and iterate on autonomous aerial platforms in real-world environments. This is not a traditional aviation or pilot role. Success in this position is defined by technical ownership, system learning, and rapid iteration—not flight hours or formal aviation credentials.

You will work hands-on with evolving prototype systems, frequently in the field, embedded with engineering teams to identify failures, validate fixes, and push systems toward operational readiness. This role sits at the boundary between engineering and operations and requires comfort with ambiguity, incomplete systems, and fast feedback loops. This role partners with Flight Test Engineers to translate test objectives and measures of performance into executable system behavior.

• Execute flight and ground testing of developmental and production autonomous aerial systems in controlled and field environments.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to plan and execute test activities, identify failures, and drive system improvements.
• Diagnose and resolve system-level issues spanning hardware, software, communications, and autonomy during testing.
• Configure, modify, and validate flight control software, autonomy behaviors, and system parameters in support of test objectives.
• Assess system readiness through pre-flight, post-flight, and health checks, and determine go/no-go conditions for testing.
• Collect, analyze, and communicate telemetry, logs, and performance data to inform rapid design iteration.
• Integrate and evaluate new payloads, sensors, and system configurations.
• Support frequent field testing and demonstration events, operating in austere environments with significant travel.
• Develop and refine test procedures, safety practices, and operational documentation for experimental systems.
• Close the loop between field testing and manufacturing by identifying build, assembly, and reliability issues and communicating actionable feedback to manufacturing engineers and technicians.

• Hands‑on experience working with open‑source flight control systems such as PX4, Ardupilot, or similar architectures
  , including configuration and tuning.
• Experience operating and evaluating prototype or non‑certified autonomous systems in test or field environments.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve system‑level issues spanning hardware, software, networking, and autonomy.
• Familiarity with Linux‑based systems, command‑line tools, and log/telemetry analysis.
• Strong ability to learn unfamiliar systems quickly through documentation, experimentation, and collaboration.
• Willingness to support irregular schedules driven by test readiness, flight windows, and field constraints.
• Willingness to travel more than 50% of the time.
• Clear communication skills and disciplined attention to safety in experimental environments.

• Prior experience working directly with engineers to validate fixes and implement rapid design changes in the field.
• 2+ years of experience operating or testing autonomous systems in defense, robotics, or advanced commercial environments.
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Background in robotics, autonomy, aerospace systems, or related technical disciplines.
• Experience supporting field testing at ranges or remote test sites.
• Experience providing test‑driven feedback to manufacturing or…