Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous Systems

Who is Recruiting from Scratch:

Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner closely with our clients to deeply understand their needs, then connect them with top-tier candidates who are not only highly skilled but also the right fit for the company’s culture and vision. Our mission is simple: place the best people in the right roles to drive long-term success for both clients and candidates.

Role: Forward Deployed Software Engineer – Edge Autonomous Systems

Location: Washington D.C. (strong preference)
• Palo Alto, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Denver, CO
• New York, NY
Company Stage of Funding: Public Company
Office Type: Hybrid (25–75% travel may be required)
Salary: $135K – $200K base + RSUs

Our client is a global leader in advanced data integration and decision intelligence systems, supporting some of the most mission‑critical operations across defense, government, and commercial sectors. The company builds technology that helps organizations use data to solve their most urgent and complex problems — from protecting critical infrastructure to enabling autonomous decision‑making at the edge.

As part of a newly formed engineering team, you’ll work on autonomous and edge‑deployed systems that directly impact national security, safety, and real‑world mission outcomes.

• Design, build, and deploy mission‑critical software and AI solutions for autonomous systems, sensor fusion, and real‑time decision‑making
  .
• Integrate cutting‑edge autonomy software with sensors (radar, cameras, RF systems), effectors, and autonomous platforms such as drones or mobile robotics.
• Tackle complex technical challenges in edge computing, networking, security, and distributed systems
  , ensuring reliable performance in austere environments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional experts in AI/ML, systems engineering, sensing, and robotics to deliver highly integrated real‑world solutions.
• Work hands‑on in testing and deploying your code on edge hardware and autonomous systems
  , ensuring software stability in mission environments.

• 2+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python, Rust, C++, or Java
  .
• Experience integrating and deploying software to autonomous systems, drones, or on‑prem/edge hardware
  .
• Knowledge of Linux/GNU, networking, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools
  .
• Background in Computer Science, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering
  , or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Eligible and willing to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance (active clearance preferred).
• Comfortable with travel (typically 25–75%, depending on team and deployment).

• Experience working with AI/ML models, computer vision, or sensor data fusion
  .
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud‑to‑edge integration
  .
• Experience deploying production software in real‑time, high‑stakes, or defense‑oriented environments
  .
• Passion for working on systems that have direct real‑world impact and national‑level importance
  .

• Base Salary: $135,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Equity: RSUs
• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and professional development support.
• Work Model: Hybrid; preference for Washington D.C., but open to strong candidates in other listed cities.

• Mission‑Critical Impact: Your work directly helps protect critical infrastructure and save lives through autonomous defense and edge AI technology.
• Cutting‑Edge Engineering: You’ll build and deploy software that runs on real‑world systems — from radar arrays to autonomous platforms.
• Rapid Growth: Join a high‑velocity team with strong funding and immediate, tangible impact across multiple high‑priority projects.
• Multidisciplinary
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work at the intersection of software, AI, hardware, and robotics with some of the best engineers in the industry.