Who is Recruiting from Scratch :
Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner closely with our clients to deeply understand their needs, then connect them with top-tier candidates who are not only highly skilled but also the right fit for the company's culture and vision. Our mission is simple : place the best people in the right roles to drive long-term success for both clients and candidates.
Role : Forward Deployed Software Engineer - Edge Autonomous Systems
Location : Washington D.C. (strong preference)
- Palo Alto, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- New York, NY
Company Stage of Funding : Public Company
Office Type : Hybrid (25-75% travel may be required)
Salary : $135K - $200K base + RSUs
Company Description
Our client is a global leader in advanced data integration and decision intelligence systems, supporting some of the most mission-critical operations across defense, government, and commercial sectors. The company builds technology that helps organizations use data to solve their most urgent and complex problems - from protecting critical infrastructure to enabling autonomous decision-making at the edge.
As part of a newly formed engineering team, you'll work on autonomous and edge-deployed systems that directly impact national security, safety, and real-world mission outcomes.
What You Will Do
Design, build, and deploy mission-critical software and AI solutions for autonomous systems, sensor fusion, and real-time decision-making .Integrate cutting-edge autonomy software with sensors (radar, cameras, RF systems) , effectors, and autonomous platforms such as drones or mobile robotics.Tackle complex technical challenges in edge computing, networking, security, and distributed systems , ensuring reliable performance in austere environments.Collaborate with cross-functional experts in AI / ML, systems engineering, sensing, and robotics to deliver highly integrated real-world solutions.Work hands-on in testing and deploying your code on edge hardware and autonomous systems , ensuring software stability in mission environments.Ideal Candidate Background
2+ years of professional software development experience.Strong proficiency in Python, Rust, C++, or Java .Experience integrating and deploying software to autonomous systems, drones, or on-prem / edge hardware .Knowledge of Linux / GNU, networking, CI / CD pipelines, and automation tools .Background in Computer Science, Robotics, or Electrical Engineering , or equivalent hands-on experience.Eligible and willing to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance (active clearance preferred).Comfortable with travel (typically 25-75%, depending on team and deployment).Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with AI / ML models, computer vision, or sensor data fusion .Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud-to-edge integration .Experience deploying production software in real-time, high-stakes, or defense-oriented environments .Passion for working on systems that have direct real-world impact and national-level importance .Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary : $135,000 - $200,000 (commensurate with experience)Equity : RSUsBenefits : Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and professional development support.Work Model : Hybrid; preference for Washington D.C., but open to strong candidates in other listed cities.Why This Role Is Exciting
Mission-Critical Impact : Your work directly helps protect critical infrastructure and save lives through autonomous defense and edge AI technology.Cutting-Edge Engineering : You'll build and deploy software that runs on real-world systems - from radar arrays to autonomous platforms.Rapid Growth : Join a high-velocity team with strong funding and immediate, tangible impact across multiple high-priority projects.Multidisciplinary Collaboration : Work at the intersection of software, AI, hardware, and robotics with some of the best engineers in the industry.