Field Applications Engineer
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
- Initial Screening with recruiter - 30 min phone call
- 1st Round Virtual Interview - peer engineer + either Director or CTO (1.5hr via MS Teams)
- 2nd Round Onsite Interview - CTO + Director + VP + peer(s) (~ 6 hours in-person) **will fly out candidates that are not local
- Reference checks & offer
About 9 Mothers
Counter Drone Systems. $1.6m sales. We delivered for the DoW.