Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Role Summary

We are looking for a field-forward, Hardware Engineer to deploy, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and train end-users on autonomous ground-vehicle platforms in real operational environments. This role is for someone who is most comfortable hands-on with vehicles, thrives in the field, and knows how to keep machines running when conditions are far from ideal.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and Field-Test Systems: Deploy and test autonomous vehicles and their payloads in real-world environments. When not traveling, you will be supporting payload integration and vehicle field testing between our Seattle and Central Washington State locations.
• Sustain: Perform hands-on troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of vehicle systems including electronics, sensors, wiring, power, networking, and mechanical interfaces. Diagnose failures under time pressure and in resource-constrained environments, then implement practical fixes to keep vehicles operational.
• Develop and Iterate: Contribute to hardware/software integration and enhancements, leveraging user feedback to improve autonomy capabilities.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with engineers and program managers to ensure seamless deployment and alignment with end-user needs.
• Document and Analyze: Maintain detailed records of field performance, documenting lessons learned and recommending improvements.
• Train and Support Users: Provide on-site training and support to end users/operators on system usage, maintenance, and safety. Help ensure operational readiness before and during field deployment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, or a similar technical field, or 5 to 8 years of equivalent work experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience working with vehicles or complex hardware systems.
• Strong mechanical engineering intuition and the ability to work in ambiguous environment(s).
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: robotics, sensors, networking, embedded systems, electronics, off-road vehicle operations and maintenance.
• Comfort working with electrical systems, sensors, wiring, connectors, and power systems.
• Experience with uncrewed systems and robotics software (e.g., ROS, CAN, drive-by-wire systems).
• Familiarity with autonomous system sensors (LIDAR, cameras).
• Experience with programming languages such as Python or C++ is a plus.
• Knowledge of field-testing protocols and safety-critical environments.
• Ability to operate and problem solve independently in challenging conditions, including adverse weather and remote locations.
• Thriving in dynamic, cross-functional teams and small startup environments.
• Experience deploying hardware and software in defense technology, deep tech, or start up environments.
• Prior experience supporting hardware during live demos, tests, or operational events.
• Willingness to co-locate at testing sites or military installations for extended periods, both CONUS and OCONUS.

Location

This position is located in Washington State. When not traveling, expect to be working out of our Central Washington State test site and/or in our Seattle locations. Frequent, extended travel expected (>50%).

Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $120K to $150K annually
• Equity compensation
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible PTO
• 401k with company match

Company Information

Overland AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employment is contingent on the ability to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Overland AI provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. Please contact [HR email] to request an accommodation.

Operations

Seattle, WA

Ellensburg, WA

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