Field Deployment Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 12, 2026. First seen by Alion on May 28, 2026. Primordial Labs scores B on the Alion truth index.
About Primordial Labs
We're building the next generation interface for commanding autonomous systems in the real world. Our core product, Anura, translates spoken or typed intent into structured actions across drones, sensors, and mission software-enabling faster, more intuitive control in high-stakes environments. We’re a distributed team of engineers, operators, and technologists focused on deploying reliable autonomy at the tactical edge.
The Opportunity
At Primordial Labs, we aren't just building software; we’re building the interface for the future of autonomy. As a Field Deployment Engineer (FDE), you are the tactical bridge between our core engineering team and the operators in the field. You’ll be the face of Anura at the "tactical edge," ensuring our natural language intent technology works flawlessly in real world, high stakes environments.
This is a high impact, high visibility role for an engineer who loves to get out of the IDE and into the field to solve complex problems where they actually happen.
What You'll Do
Lead the Deployment: Own end-to-end integration of Anura onto ruggedized edge compute and unmanned systems. You’ll be the one physically cabling it, configuring it, and making it work in the field, not just handing over a build.
Master the Troubleshooting: You are the first line of defense. You’ll debug complex hardware and software integrations in real time, often with an operator waiting on you. That means an SSH session open on the compute, checking system services, tailing logs, and pinging nodes to find where the chain broke.
Own the Network: Stand up and troubleshoot the tactical network the whole system depends on. Static and dynamic addressing, isolated subnets, bridging multiple data links at once, handheld devices as control surfaces. When something can’t reach something else, you’re the one who figures out why.
Travel to the Edge: This role requires significant travel (up to 50%) to client sites and test ranges. You’ll be on-site to ensure our tech performs under pressure.
Bridge the Gap: Work directly with operators to understand their challenges and translate field observations into actionable product requirements for our core dev team.
Technical Enablement: Train and support our users, making sure they feel confident commanding fleets of unmanned systems using natural language intent.
About You
The Field Fixer: You thrive in high-pressure environments and actually enjoy the challenge of "fixing it in the field." You’re comfortable working alongside military customers in varied environments.
Hardware-Comfortable: You know your way around mixed I/O and connector types, and edge compute in a ruggedized enclosure is familiar territory.
Networking Fluent: This is the skill that separates a good FDE from a great one. Subnets, routing, bridging, mesh networking over radio links, and the patience to isolate a connectivity failure across several hops.
Exceptional Communicator: You can explain complex AI concepts to a General and technical edge-cases to a Backend Engineer without losing the "why."
High Autonomy: You are a self-starter who can represent Primordial Labs independently on-site while keeping the home team synced on progress and hurdles.
Operator, Not Just Engineer: You have real stick time. You understand these platforms as something you operate and command, not just something you SSH into.
Desirable Qualities
Experience: 3+ years in software engineering, systems integration, or a similar FDE/Field Engineering role (experience in Defense Tech or Robotics is a massive plus).
Field Systems: Hands-on experience deploying and debugging software on embedded compute in fielded, ruggedized configurations, plus strong practical networking. Configuring LANs, bridging links, working across isolated subnets, and troubleshooting connectivity down to the packet.
Unmanned Systems: Direct hands-on experience operating unmanned platforms. Real time on the controller counts for more with us than certifications.
Software: Strong proficiency in Python, comfort reading and debugging C++, and hands-on experience with Linux and containerization.
The "Travel Bug": Willingness and ability to travel frequently to support deployments and testing.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance (Current Secret or TS/SCI preferred).
Education: BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent "battle-tested" experience).
Important Qualification Note: Due to the nature of our work and federal compliance requirements, this position strictly requires U.S. Citizenship and current residency within the United States. Please note that Permanent Residency (Green Card status) or visa sponsorship cannot satisfy these specific regulatory requirements.
Compensation
Compensation for this position includes a target base salary of $120,000 - $200,000 annually, with the specific figure determined by the candidate's experience level.
We’re committed to fair and equitable compensation and are happy to explain how we determine our salary ranges, just ask!
Our Benefits
Beyond a Competitive Salary, we provide a significant equity stake, aligning your growth with ours.
100% Remote: This role is fully remote, open to residents across the US. We believe that talent knows no borders (well, except for the US in this case!).
Comprehensive Health Coverage: We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans so you and your family can stay healthy and worry free.
Retirement Planning: Plan for tomorrow with our 401(k) package, complete with a generous 6% company match.
Generous DTO: Our generous Discretionary Time off (DTO) policy is all about helping you take the breaks you deserve and live your healthiest, most fulfilling life.
Elite Technology Package: Enjoy an elite technology package to make your work effortless and efficient.
Our Interview Process
Our interview process is designed to be thorough and respectful of your time. It typically includes:
Conversation with the People Team: Lets get to know one another first!
Screener Interview: A 45-minute discussion about relevant concepts and your past experience.
Cross-Functional Deep Dive: Connect with the key stakeholders and team members you'll be partnering with. Since this role sits at the center of so much of our work, this is your chance to see how your impact will ripple across Primordial Labs.
We are committed to a low stress interview experience-no trick questions or brain teasers!
Primordial Labs is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We firmly believe that a diverse team enriches our problem-solving capabilities, sparks greater creativity, and ultimately leads to a better product and a more vibrant company.
We understand that great talent comes from various paths and that passion and transferable skills are invaluable. At Primordial Labs, what truly matters is your ability to make an impact, your dedication to our mission, and your capacity to thrive in a fast paced, collaborative atmosphere. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where you can contribute your unique talents, expand your skills, and learn continuously. If you’re driven to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification.