The Principal Forward Deployable Autonomous Systems Engineer (FDASE) is the senior technical individual contributor responsible for developing, executing, and continuously improving the operational employment of Mach's autonomous systems. The role bridges engineering development and real-world operations, transforming engineering capability into operational capability through hands-on system integration, mission planning, technical execution, and operational analysis. The Principal FDASE leads complex field activities, solves multidisciplinary technical challenges, and ensures lessons learned during testing and customer operations are rapidly incorporated into future product development.

Responsibilities

Lead technical execution of developmental testing, customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, and deployed missions
Ensure that systems, personnel, support equipment, and operational plans are prepared to safely accomplish mission objectives. This includes balancing engineering requirements with field realities while maintaining disciplined execution under compressed timelines
Develop executable mission concepts that integrate engineering objectives with operational constraints, customer requirements, logistics, and safety considerations
Own integration of autonomy software, communications, payloads, sensors, ground systems, and operational workflows necessary to conduct missions safely and efficiently
Serve as the technical integrator responsible for ensuring individual subsystems operate as a cohesive operational capability
Resolve multidisciplinary technical issues encountered during testing and deployment
Apply sound engineering judgment to rapidly diagnose and resolve problems spanning hardware, software, networking, autonomy, instrumentation, and mission systems
Represent Mach during customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, military exercises, and deployed operations, serving as a technical ambassador for the organization, building customer confidence through disciplined execution, technical competence, and transparent communication

Requirements

Engineering degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
Significant experience developing, integrating, testing, or operating autonomous systems.
Experience leading complex technical efforts through direct execution rather than organizational management.
Strong understanding of autonomous aircraft, embedded systems, networking, mission software, and system integration.
Experience planning and executing developmental testing, operational demonstrations, or deployed engineering activities.
Experience coordinating with customers, government stakeholders, or operational users.

Nice to have

Experience working with range organizations, operational safety processes, or mission approvals is highly desirable.
Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable autonomous flight architectures.
Familiarity with Linux, embedded computing, telemetry analysis, communications systems, and mission planning tools.
Ability to diagnose complex multidisciplinary technical issues under operational timelines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability and willingness to support frequent domestic and international travel.

Benefits

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.