Forward Deployed Engineer

About Us:
Swan delivers the future of defense and industry through scalable autonomous products. Swan is backed by leading defense VCs including a16z's American Dynamism fund.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to bridge cutting-edge engineering and real-world deployment, working closely with cross-functional teams—both internal and customer-facing—to deliver robust, scalable systems. You will collaborate on everything from core software development to hands-on implementation in the field, ensuring our solutions are effectively deployed under real operational demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement autonomy software for aerial autonomy, navigation, and real-time mapping.

• Work with internal product teams to integrate new features and improve existing functionality.

• Partner directly with customers and stakeholders, including in field testing and operational environments, to understand operational needs and deliver tailored solutions.

• Improve and troubleshoot performance of deployed systems, providing rapid iteration in response to end-user feedback and on-site challenges.

• Coordinate and execute field tests, demonstrations, and pilot programs in dynamic environments.

• Serve as the technical liaison between product development and end-users, translating practical feedback into actionable roadmaps for the engineering org.

• Champion best practices in code quality, security, and maintainability across the development lifecycle.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior experience in a relevant role at the intersection of product engineering and operations.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Proficiency in developing robust, production-grade software.

• Solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns.

• Demonstrated experience with robotics (e.g. ROS), autonomous systems, and real-time data processing.

• Familiarity with aerial platforms and associated hardware/software integrations (e.g., Ardupilot/PX4).

• Comfort in both customer-facing and hands-on technical roles, adapting to varied, fast-paced environments.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in sensor fusion, perception, computer vision, geospatial data processing, and/or localization and mapping.

• Track record of implementing solutions on embedded systems or constrained hardware.

• Experience with DevOps best practices (CI/CD pipelines, containerization, etc.).

• Knowledge of military or defense-related environments, including compliance and security considerations.

• Active clearance.

What We Offer:

Swan is a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative startup environment. We offer a top-notch benefits package, including:

• Top-tier health, dental, vision, short-/long-term disability, and life insurance, with full employee coverage and partial coverage for dependents

• Flexible/reasonable vacation and sick leave

• 401(k) plans, FSA, HSA, and commuter benefits

Location: Remote (U.S.) - San Francisco strongly preferred

Swan is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, uniform service, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law. Swan considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.