Staff Forward Deployed Engineer, AQNav

Lead the technical side of strategic pursuits. Own the technical workstream for high-impact customer pilots and presentations. Design and run experiments that compare AQNav against legacy and alt-PNT solutions. Deliver clear, quantitative customer analyses.

Build and own field analysis tooling. Develop and maintain Python-based pipelines to ingest, clean, and analyze heterogeneous sensor and navigation logs (including binary formats). Extend internal simulation and replay tools to match real mission profiles. Create repeatable visualization and reporting templates that turn raw data into decisions.

Translate performance data into stakeholder narratives. Convert logs, bias drifts, error growth, and RMSE metrics into concise, accurate stories for operators, engineers, and senior executives. Contribute materially to technical content for customer briefings, program reviews, and business development presentations.

Bridge operations and R&D. Turn field observations into well-structured, testable requirements. Partner with product, research, and engineering teams to prioritize issues, design follow-on experiments, and push for clarity around performance metrics, success criteria, and tradeoffs so that teams are aligned on what "right looks like."

Lead field integration and represent AQNav externally. Guide integration of AQNav with mission computers, flight controllers, and onboard sensors, working closely with platform integrators and OEMs. Travel for on-site tests, integrations, customer meetings, and conferences, representing AQNav as a trusted, authoritative partner.

PNT and navigation fundamentals. Strong understanding of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) principles and modern Alt-PNT approaches. You know how an IMU works, where GNSS can break down, and can explain concepts like drift and latency to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Hands-on aerospace or autonomy experience. 3+ years in aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems with direct hands-on experience integrating and developing hybrid (software and hardware) products and solutions for the DOD.

Python and data analysis. Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, signal processing, and visualization. Comfortable parsing binary logs, building quick-turn scripts, and standing up dashboards or notebooks from a laptop in the field.

Customer-facing communication. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to engineers, program managers, and senior leaders, both internally and externally. Able to build trust quickly by being technical, communicative, transparent, and responsive to customer needs.

Education and availability. B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field (or equivalent practical experience). Willing and able to travel up to 30%, typically scheduled several weeks in advance, for tests, integrations, customer engagements, and conferences.

Advanced degree and deep industry tenure. M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant field specializing in guidance and navigation controls, with 5+ years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Strong background in defense or dual-use programs, including working with performance requirements, test plans, and verification approaches, and an ability to communicate comfortably with senior military members and their advisors.

Advanced Python applied to demanding domains. Significant, current, hands-on experience using Python for scientific or large-scale data analysis and visualization, inspecting time-series and signal processing pipelines, and automated generation of reports and KPIs for technical stakeholders.

Sensor fusion, estimation, and simulation. Exposure to Kalman filtering or related estimation techniques, with an understanding of how sensors like magnetometers, visual odometry, LiDAR, and barometric altimeters contribute to a navigation stack and how their failures manifest. Experience with simulation or digital twin environments used to validate missions virtually before flight or deployment, with a realistic sense of when simulation is and is not predictive.

DoD platform integration experience. Experience integrating hardware and software onto DoD or comparable platforms (manned or unmanned aircraft, UxVs, or surface vessels). Familiarity with DoD requirements and standards relevant to SW, navigation, or autonomy (for example, experience in acquisition, test, or certification environments).

Field credibility and clearance eligibility. Track record of serving as the "go-to" engineer in the field, someone who can debug, analyze, and explain under pressure while keeping cross-functional teams aligned. Already hold, or are eligible to obtain, a U.S. security clearance.

We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.

Compensation: Competitive base salary, performance-based incentives or bonuses (where applicable), and equity participation.

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents with generous employer premium contributions, retirement savings with company matching, paid parental leave, and inclusive family-building benefits.

Work-Life Balance: Fully remote, Flexible paid time off, company-wide seasonal breaks, and support for flexible work arrangements that enable sustainable performance.

Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth through on-the-job development, cross-functional collaboration, and access to internal learning and development programs.

We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.

Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.

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