Forward Deployed Software Engineer
Hybrid (San Francisco)$80k - $120kFull-timePosted 6mo ago
About the role
Theseus is a defense tech company building visual positioning for GPS-denied drone navigation. The role focuses on deploying Theseus software onto commercial and government drone platforms, interfacing with autopilots, sensors, and operators to achieve field-ready deployments.
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end deployment of Theseus systems in operational environments, from initial integration through operator handoff and sustained field performance
- Integrate Theseus software onto drone platforms using ArduPilot-based systems
- Write and modify Python and C++ code to support integrations, tooling, debugging, and deployment workflows
- Bring up, test, and troubleshoot full systems across autopilot, compute, sensors, networking, telemetry, and operator interfaces
- Work directly with operators and partner teams to understand mission requirements, support field deployments, and adapt systems to real operational constraints
- Train operators and partners on deployment, troubleshooting, and best practices in the field
- Debug issues in real conditions and rapidly turn field feedback into fixes, product improvements, and more repeatable deployment workflows
- Travel as needed, including to Ukraine and other forward deployed operational environments, to support deployments, testing, and mission execution
Qualifications
- Strong hands-on experience with ArduPilot and real drone integration work
- Strong programming ability in Python and/or C++, with the ability to build tools, debug production systems, and move quickly across a mixed software/hardware stack
- Strong ownership and bias for action: diagnose problems quickly, operate independently, and drive a system to a working outcome under real-world constraints
- Ability to work directly with operators or external partners and communicate clearly in fast-moving environments
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including to Ukraine and other forward deployed operational environments
Skills
Required:ArduPilotPythonC++
Last updated Oct 7, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Theseus
GPS Denied Navigation for Drones
We're building a Micro Visual Positioning System (VPS) that can be retrofit onto any drone that simulates a GPS. Our VPS uses cameras and an accelerometer/gyroscope as well as reference satellite imagery for positioning. The system is entirely self contained, can't be jammed and has no RF signature.
drones
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