Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineer (Autonomous Aerial Systems)

Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States; on-site. Frequent field testing, demonstration events, and more than 50% travel are required.

Salary: $90,000–$150,000 per year, plus equity.

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology startup developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms and decentralized systems.

What you will do

• Execute flight and ground testing of developmental and production autonomous aerial systems in controlled and field environments.
• Plan test activities with engineering teams, identify failures, validate fixes, and drive rapid system improvements.
• Diagnose system-level issues across hardware, software, communications, networking, and autonomy.
• Configure and validate flight-control software, autonomy behaviors, system parameters, payloads, sensors, and system configurations.
• Assess readiness through pre-flight, post-flight, and health checks; determine go/no-go conditions and maintain safety practices.
• Analyze telemetry, logs, and performance data and communicate actionable feedback to engineering, manufacturing, and production teams.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with open-source flight-control systems such as PX4, ArduPilot, or similar architectures, including configuration and tuning.
• Experience operating and evaluating prototype or non-certified autonomous systems in test or field environments.
• Ability to diagnose hardware, software, networking, and autonomy issues; familiarity with Linux, command-line tools, logs, and telemetry analysis.
• At least 2 years of experience operating or testing autonomous systems in defense, robotics, or advanced commercial environments.
• Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a background in robotics, autonomy, aerospace systems, or a related technical discipline.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for an export license; access to U.S.-controlled technology may be required.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting field testing at ranges or remote test sites.
• Experience providing test-driven feedback on prototype or early-production hardware to manufacturing teams.
• Prior experience working directly with engineers to validate fixes and implement rapid design changes in the field.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced startup environment focused on manufacturing, innovation, and national security.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings and paid time off.
• Equity participation and performance-based incentives.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.
• Irregular schedules may be required based on test readiness, flight windows, and field constraints.