Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a versatile Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer to join our technical team. You will have a strong mechanical and electrical background and be responsible for bringing our technology from the lab to the fleet.

This is not a traditional engineering role. You will be responsible for deploying our systems into the real world, directly supporting maritime missions. You will integrate cutting-edge mechanical and electrical payloads, debug complex system-level problems, and iterate hardware designs in the field to ensure success. This is a highly hands-on and field-oriented role with time split between the lab, fabrication spaces, and the waterfront.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a multidisciplinary field engineer responsible for mechanical and electrical integration of novel systems and payloads onto our Autonomous Service Vessels (ASVs) and maritime platforms
• Lead rapid prototyping efforts to support field experimentation and platform evolution
• Perform system bring-up, integration, and troubleshooting of power, networking, sensors, and compute subsystems
• Own dockside and sea trials - prepare vessels, install new hardware packages, and perform system validation in operationally relevant environments
• Drive design-for-assembly and design-for-deployment feedback into hardware product development
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Autonomy Engineers, to evolve and harden system designs
• Interface with suppliers and fabrication shops to support fast turnarounds of custom components and harnesses
• Contribute to documentation and training to support the scaling of deployment and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus
• 3+ years of experience working on integrated electromechanical systems, preferably in fielded or mission-critical environments
• Hands-on expertise in Mechanical assembly and fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, 3D printing, etc.)
• Hands-on expertise in Electrical integration (power systems, cabling, connectors, PCB bring-up)
• Hands-on expertise in rapid prototyping and system-level debugging
• Comfort working with tools such as CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar), basic electrical test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes), and field integration setups
• Experience working with a Linux-based operating system
• Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems, including TCP/IP, UDP, and message-passing frameworks
• Willingness to work in dynamic, hands-on environments, including on and near the water
• Strong sense of ownership and bias for action
• You thrive in real-world environments, responsible for solving open-ended problems
• Experience working with autonomous systems, drones, or other robotic platforms is preferred
• Familiarity with maritime environments or naval platforms is preferred
• Ability to write basic software tools (e.g., Python, shell scripts) for hardware bring-up or test automation is preferred
• Exposure to ruggedized or IP-rated hardware design is preferred
• Experience in systems integration or test engineering is preferred

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 99% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).