Forward Deployed Engineer

Location: Munich, Germany

Department: Engineering

As a Forward Deployed Engineer at Auterion, you will play a pivotal role in the successful development, integration and deployment of Auterion-powered drone systems. 

In this role, you will collaborate closely with the production, hardware engineering, and firmware/software teams, as well as operations, ensuring that every platform transitions smoothly from an airframe concept into a fully validated flying robot ready for deployment. You will serve as the primary technical interface for partners, work closely with them to understand their technical requirements, configure and adapt existing solutions, contribute to core software development, and ensure successful implementation. 

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys combining hands-on technical work with customer collaboration and system-level problem solving, bridging the gap between hardware, firmware, and real-world flight performance. 

Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate in a highly hands-on environment with evolving system requirements, rapidly iterating across hardware and software integration challenges.
• Manage software releases and perform firmware flashing and configuration using PX4 or adjacent autopilot ecosystems, including sensor calibration, ESC tuning, and system bring-up.
• Provide deep avionics and airframe expertise, including autopilot tuning, sensor and payload integration, power systems and airworthiness considerations.
• Work independently to troubleshoot integration and flight-readiness issues while collaborating cross-functionally with hardware engineering, firmware/software teams, operations, and QC engineering to escalate complex challenges when required.
• Act as the primary technical authority in customer engagements, translating mission requirements into concrete system architectures and demonstrable solutions built on AuterionOS and Skynode.
• Participate in flight testing activities to validate platform stability, safety, and mission performance, resolving technical issues often directly in the field during customer trials and demonstrations.
• Contribute to technical documentation and continuous improvement of engineering processes.
• Feed customer and market requirements back into product and engineering teams to influence the roadmap of the Auterion stack.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Software, Aviation, Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (M.Sc. optional).
• Experience working with autopilots (ideally based on PX4), mission planning and navigation software, for example performing firmware flashing, vehicle configuration, and flight validation.
• Familiarity with UAV flight testing, system validation, and troubleshooting in real-world operational environments is a plus.
• Understanding of control theory, flight control, plus manufacturing and QC best practices.
• Basic mechanical system and design experience as well as an understanding of fundamental electronics principles including wiring diagrams.
• Solid understanding of embedded communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, etc.) and computer networking principles, firmware debugging, and hardware-software integration.
• Proficiency in C/C++ development and working knowledge of datalink protocols, experience with MAVLink and Python is a plus.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development and debugging environments, including Docker.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills when working with cross-functional engineering and operations teams.
• Proven ability to operate as a technical lead in front of customers, including live demonstrations and field troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced environments with evolving technical challenges, showing strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for drone technology and a hands-on engineering mindset focused on building reliable flying systems.
• Willingness to travel for on-site integration, testing, and deployment activities.
• EU citizenship required.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Stock Options
• Generous holiday allowance
• Pension plan 
• Extended social security package 
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
• Wellpass membership 

About Auterion

We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.

At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.