Forward Deployed Engineer - International (CENTCOM AOR)

Description

Summary: This role is for a technical leader who deploys, integrates, and operationalizes NODA systems on DoD networks, ensuring mission success for warfighters in the field. Highlights: 1. Technical tip of the spear in theater, working directly with warfighters 2. Translates mission requirements into working capability 3. Contributes to core platform development from field learnings **Forward Deployed Engineer – Customer Solutions – Qatar** ========================================================== **Location:** Qatar (CENTCOM AOR) (Home office: Austin, TX) **Travel:** Mission\-dependent, up to \~75% (OCONUS rotations) **Clearance Requirement:** Active Secret required **About NODA** ============== NODA is a veteran\-owned, venture\-backed technology company transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission\-critical environments. Our distributed orchestration platform enables autonomous coordination of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Our Forward Deployed Engineers are the technical tip of the spear in theater — the hands\-on integration and fielding specialists who stand up NODA’s orchestration platform on DoD networks and partner platforms at forward locations. They operate directly alongside deployed warfighters, translating mission requirements into working capability under operational timelines and real\-world constraints. **The Role** ============ As a Forward Deployed Engineer – Customer Solutions, you are the technical owner of delivery and customer success in the field. You deploy, integrate, and operationalize NODA systems on DoD networks and partner platforms — working directly with operators to ensure mission success under real\-world conditions. While much of your time is spent on integration and fielding in theater, you also contribute to the core platform — building shared libraries, reusable integration components, and deployment tooling that accelerate future engagements. You are the direct link between deployed operator needs and platform development. **Key Responsibilities** ======================== * Deploy and integrate systems on NIPR, SIPR, and mission partner networks * Build adapters and integration layers connecting our orchestration platform to autonomous vehicle control protocols and APIs (MAVLink, REST, C2 systems such as ATAK/TAK Server) * Own end\-to\-end delivery: install integrate validate operational handoff * Operate and troubleshoot in DDIL and RF\-constrained environments * Debug across networking, software, and hardware boundaries * Train operators and ensure adoption and mission readiness * Support scoping and technical planning for new in\-theater engagements * Build shared libraries and reusable components that accelerate future deployments * Develop deployment tooling and automation for secure, constrained, and disconnected environments * Translate field feedback into actionable engineering improvements and funnel product requirements back to core teams **Required Qualifications** =========================== * 3\+ years of software or systems engineering experience building integrations, APIs, or distributed systems * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field (or equivalent hands\-on experience) * Strong proficiency in Python and/or C\+\+ * Linux and networking experience (TCP/IP, UDP, debugging, remote system administration) * Experience integrating with external APIs, protocols, or hardware systems * Active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship * Valid U.S. passport (12\+ months validity, multiple blank pages) and willingness to deploy OCONUS for extended rotations (up to 30–120 days) * Ability to operate independently in austere environments with limited supervision and connectivity **Preferred Qualifications** ============================ * Experience with DoD networks (NIPR/SIPR) and accreditation processes (RMF, ATO, STIG compliance) * Familiarity with MAVLink, ROS/ROS2, C2 systems, or autonomy platforms * Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned vehicles (UAS, UGV, USV, UUV) * DevSecOps experience deploying software in secure, constrained, or classified environments * Experience in RF/DDIL environments or tactical communications systems (ATAK, TAK Server, Link 16\) * Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, firmware interfaces, or sensor integration (cameras, LIDAR, radar, EO/IR) * Knowledge of ML model deployment and inference optimization * Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR, Foreign Disclosure, and export control practices * Familiarity with DoD installation access procedures, CAC sponsorship, LOAs, and country clearance (APACS) * Prior military service or OCONUS deployment experience * Existing TS/SCI clearance **Skills \& Attributes** ======================== * Technical ownership: takes end\-to\-end accountability for integration and fielding outcomes in theater, from initial setup through operator handoff. * Systems thinker: reasons across software, networking, and hardware boundaries to diagnose and resolve issues in complex, multi\-system environments. * Field\-ready: operates effectively in austere, high\-tempo conditions with limited reach\-back, constrained connectivity, and an 8–10 hour time difference from headquarters. * Operator\-focused: translates between engineering and operational language; earns the trust of warfighters by delivering working capability, not just functional software. * Platform contributor: treats field learnings as first\-class inputs to the core platform — documents integration patterns, files product requirements, and builds reusable components that outlast the deployment. * Startup discipline: combines the adaptability of a startup engineer with the documentation rigor required to hand off to military users and sustain capability after departure. **What We Offer** ================= * Deployment uplifts and per diem during in\-theater operations * Company\-covered travel, lodging, and logistics support for rotations * Flexible time off with rest cycles between rotations * Federal holidays * Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits * Free One Medical membership * 401(k) **Growth Path at NODA** ======================= FDE Senior FDE Lead FDE (International) Mission Lead / Product / Core Engineering We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.