Forward Deployed Robotics 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 highly experienced Robotics Software Engineer who thrives at the intersection of core engineering and real-world deployment. This role combines advanced robotics software development with hands-on field integration, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver robust, scalable autonomous systems in operational environments.

You will design and implement autonomy software for aerial and robotic platforms while directly supporting field deployments, customer integrations, and real-time system optimization. You are both technically deep and operationally adaptable. Comfortable writing production-grade C++/Python code and deploying systems in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy autonomy software for aerial robotics, including navigation, real-time mapping, and decision-making systems.

• Write clean, efficient and well-documented code in C++ and Python.

• Implement algorithms for sensor processing, mapping, and real-time control.

• Integrate perception, motion planning and controls modules to field end-to-end aerial behaviors as well as integrated, human-in-the-loop systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and test robotic hardware and software systems.

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

• Partner directly with customers and stakeholders to understand mission needs, gather feedback, and rapidly iterate.

• Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues in dynamic, real-world conditions.

• Translate field insights into actionable product improvements and engineering roadmaps.

• Champion best practices in code quality, reliability, security, and maintainability.

Qualifications and Skills:

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

• 5+ years of experience in robotics or autonomy software development.

• Proficiency in C++ and Python.

• Familiarity with aerial systems and flight controllers (Ardupilot, PX4).

• Hands-on experience with ROS and autonomous robotics platforms.

• Background in sensor processing and fusion, SLAM, localization, path planning, and/or computer vision.

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

• Familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to robotics.

• Hands-on experience with hardware integration and prototyping.

• Understanding of control systems and kinematics.

• 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.