Field Application Engineer – NODA AI

Location: Austin, TX (On-site, with up to 50% travel)
Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance

About NODA AI

NODA AI is a veteran-owned, venture-backed defense technology company focused on enabling collaborative effects with autonomous systems. Our distributed orchestration platform empowers the complex coordination of multi-domain robotic systems—across air, sea, and land—for defense and commercial missions. We work at the intersection of cutting-edge robotics, AI, and human–machine collaboration, integrating seamlessly with UUVs, UASs, and USVs. Our mission: to transform the way autonomous systems work together in the most challenging environments.

Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that directly impacts operational capability, with a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and engineering excellence.

The Role

We are seeking a Field Application Engineer to support the integration, testing, and deployment of multi-domain autonomous systems. This role bridges engineering and operations—ensuring that our unmanned systems are assembled, validated, and fielded reliably in demanding environments.
You’ll work hands-on with hardware, software, and mission execution, from lab bring-up to live demos with defense and commercial partners. The role includes up to 50% travel for field tests, demonstrations, and customer engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct integration testing across RF/digital hardware, firmware, embedded software, and mission applications.

• Develop, maintain, and enforce test standards. Design/build or procure test equipment to ensure readiness.

• Automate test workflows where possible to expand coverage and accelerate validation cycles.

• Provide technical support during field operations, collaborating directly with partners and customers.

• Maintain detailed logs, readiness checklists, and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.

• Analyze and resolve failures observed during integration, characterization, and system-level testing.

• Assemble, configure, and troubleshoot unmanned systems across air, land, and maritime domains.

• Support and execute test events, flight trials, and live demonstrations.

• Maintain lab facilities, test rigs, and equipment readiness for engineering teams.

• Collaborate across hardware, software, and autonomy teams to ensure smooth mission execution.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant industry experience in hardware, software, or system validation & testing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering preferred; equivalent hands-on experience considered.

• Hands-on experience with embedded computing and hardware integration for unmanned vehicles.

• Strong foundation in networking fundamentals (OSI layers, TCP/IP, unicast vs multicast, sub-netting).

• Proficiency with Linux environments (command line, shell scripting, debugging, file system).

• Experience with test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, multimeters).

• Familiarity with programming languages (Python, C++) for test automation and data analysis.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% to support field tests, demos, and customer engagements.

• US citizen with the ability to obtain clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior hands-on integration/testing with unmanned systems (UAS, UGV, UUV).

• Familiarity with RF comms (link budgets, antenna placement, troubleshooting connectivity).

• Knowledge of cloud networking/VPN/VPC configuration.

• Experience with HIL/SIL environments.

• Exposure to embedded systems development, firmware debugging, or microcontrollers.

• Background working on cross-disciplinary teams (hardware, software, AI/ML).

• Familiarity with DoD/defense test environments and compliance requirements.

Skills & Attributes

• Customer-facing communication skills; ability to represent NODA with partners.

• Hands-on troubleshooting with avionics, networking, and embedded systems.

• Operates effectively under pressure in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.

• Independent thinker who thrives in ambiguous problem spaces.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

• Team-oriented with leadership potential.

Benefits

• Hybrid-friendly when possible

• Competitive pay

• Flexible time off

• Generous PTO policy

• Federal holidays

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Free OneMedical membership

Growth Path at NODA

At NODA, we are committed to developing future leaders from within. A successful Field Application Engineer can advance into:

• Senior Field Application Engineer – lead test events and mentor technicians.

• Lead Field Application Engineer – manage major deployments and act as primary field interface with customers.

• Lab Manager – own uptime, readiness, and operational excellence of the lab.

• Field Operations Lead – oversee multiple campaigns, set standards, drive cross-functional coordination, and mentor field teams.

This role is designed as a pathway for individuals who want to move from hands-on technical work to leadership, running lab and field operations as NODA scales.

If you’re ready to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can do—and make a real difference—we’d love to hear from you.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.