Field Applications Engineer

Job description

**Location:** Onsite — Austin, TX **Employment Type:** Direct Hire, Full-Time **Job Title:** Field Applications Engineer **About 9 Mothers** The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren’t just "innovating"—we are building the shield. Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack. **Why 9 Mothers?** While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm’s way. We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission-driven builders who value field-ready capability over polished slide decks. If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month—not next year—this is your playground. **Position Summary** We are seeking a Field Applications Engineer (Demo Engineer) to serve as the critical bridge between our engineering lab and real-world deployment. You will be the hands-on expert responsible for bringing our autonomous c-sUAS platforms to life in front of active-duty end users, government partners, and key stakeholders. From flashing software builds and calibrating multi-sensor payloads in the lab to operating systems and troubleshooting hardware live on the test range, you ensure zero-fail execution when the pressure is on. **Essential Duties** - **Demo Operations & Execution:** Lead live, dynamic flight and target-tracking demonstrations in field environments, operating autonomous counter-drone systems flawlessly under high-stakes conditions. - **System Preparation & Hardware Setup:** Prepare, assemble, and check complex autonomous hardware and edge-compute systems prior to field tests and customer demonstrations. - **On-Site & Field Calibration:** Perform precise hardware and sensor alignment, including boresighting, thermal/EO camera focusing, lens calibration, and multi-sensor orientation. - **Software Deployment & Validation:** Flash latest software builds, test system stability, perform integration tests, and ensure firmware/software readiness for field trials. - **Rapid Field Troubleshooting:** Diagnose and resolve unexpected hardware, software, networking, and sensor issues on the fly with minimal downtime during field trials. - **Feedback Loop:** Serve as the direct link between field reality and R&D, capturing detailed telemetry, edge cases, and user feedback to inform engineering rapid iteration cycles. - **Linux Shell & Networking:** Highly comfortable working in a Linux shell environment with a strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, routing, and system diagnostics. **Requirements** - **Hands-on Field/Demo Experience:** Demonstrated experience deploying, operating, or troubleshooting complex hardware/software systems in real-world or live-fire test range environments. - **Technical Calibration Skills:** Practical experience with optical/camera calibration (focus, boresighting), sensor alignment, and field validation techniques. - **System Administration & Tooling:** Proficient in Linux CLI environments, firmware/software flashing tools, and basic networking/telemetry debugging. - **Hardware & Electronics Proficiency:** Experience with harness assembly, field repair, cable building, and multimeters/oscilloscopes for quick edge-side hardware fixes. - **Travel & Physical Requirements:** Willingness to travel to outdoor testing sites and demonstration ranges; comfortable working outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions. - **Compliance:** This position requires access to export-controlled information under ITAR. Only U.S. citizens are permitted. Must be willing to submit a background check. **Nice-to-Have** - Prior experience with robotics, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), counter-UAS (c-UAS), or defense range operations. - Familiarity with thermal/IR optics, RF sensors, or embedded Linux environments (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson). - Prior defense startup experience or military background in range safety/flight test operations. - Security clearance or the ability to obtain one. - A passion for building or engineering robotics or electronics as a hobby. **Benefits** - **Meaningful Early Equity:** You aren't just an employee; you are a foundational owner. Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company. - **Direct Roadmap Influence:** Forget the bureaucracy of big defense. You will have a seat at the table, directly shaping our product and technology trajectory from day one. - **Mission-Critical Work:** We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats. - **The Builder's Playground:** Work in a brand-new lab fully optimized for rapid prototyping, equipped with NVIDIA Jetsons, high-end scopes, and 3-D printers. - **100% Employer-Paid Premiums:** We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents. - **Unlimited PTO:** We value results, not clock-watching. Take the time you need to stay sharp and recharge. - **Zero Red Tape:** You report to the founders. You have the autonomy to make technical decisions that would take months of committee approval at a larger firm. - **Austin-Based Culture:** Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing. - **Relocation Assistance:** We want the best talent in the room. If you aren't in Austin yet, we’ll help you get here, to make your transition to the Silicon Hills seamless. **About the Interview** 1. Initial Screening with recruiter - 30 min phone call 2. 1st Round Virtual Interview - peer engineer + either Director or CTO (1.5hr via MS Teams) 3. 2nd Round Onsite Interview - CTO + Director + VP + peer(s) (~ 6 hours in-person) \*\*will fly out candidates that are not local 4. Reference checks & offer