Forward Deployed Engineer

Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics. 

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

Overview of Position: 

The Forward Deployed Engineer specializing in Geospatial Navigation plays a pivotal role in the commercial sales process by applying technical expertise to assess customer requirements, design tailored solutions and demonstrate the business value of Advanced Navigation's products. Partnering closely with field sales, product management, and engineering teams, this role bridges complex navigation technologies with customer needs, conducting product demonstrations, leading Proofs of Concept (PoCs), and driving successful customer onboarding.

Essential Functions: 

• Consult with prospects and clients to evaluate technical requirements, operational objectives, and geospatial navigation needs.
• Architect and recommend customized hardware and software solution proposals leveraging Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
• Deliver compelling technical presentations and live product demonstrations highlighting unique capabilities, features, and value propositions to both technical and executive stakeholders.
• Lead the technical scoping, implementation, and execution of Proof of Concept (PoC) projects to validate product feasibility and performance in real-world environments.
• Collaborate with engineering and product management teams to translate customer feedback into actionable insights for future product roadmap developments.
• Partner with sales account executives to address technical inquiries, overcome customer objections, and accelerate the sales cycle.
• Maintain deep industry knowledge regarding emerging trends, competitor offerings, and regulatory standards within the geospatial, defense, and robotics sectors.
• Travel occasionally to client sites, field test sites, or trade shows to deliver in-person presentations, technical implementations, or integration support.
• Ensure full compliance with workplace Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) guidelines during all customer engagements and field testing.

Leadership Responsibilities: 

• Individual Contributor: This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, it provides technical mentorship and pre-sales technical leadership to regional sales personnel.

Qualification Requirements: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Geomatics, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, or Systems Engineering) or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 3+ years of technical pre-sales, solution engineering, or technical sales experience in a high-tech hardware/software environment.
• Domain & Technical Expertise: Working knowledge of GNSS, INS, cloud computing, networking, and sensor integration concepts.
• Export & Travel Compliance: Must be willing and able to travel nationally (and occasionally internationally) up to 5025%. Must be a "U.S. Person" (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) and EAR (15 CFR §772.1) due to handling defense technologies and trade-controlled technical data.
• Communication & Quantitative Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the proven ability to articulate complex engineering concepts (e.g., whiteboard sessions) to diverse audiences. Ability to calculate kinematic metrics (position, velocity, acceleration, orientation) and analyze sensor data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Target Market Experience: Prior experience supporting applications in surveying, subsea/maritime, defense, robotics, or autonomous vehicle market segments.
• Software & Analytical Competencies: Experience using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar tools for data analysis, along with familiarity with integrated CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
• Coding Experience: Basic programming skills or hands-on experience using APIs, SDKs, and Command Line Interfaces (CLIs).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Geospatial & Sensor Expertise: In-depth understanding of GNSS, INS, sensor fusion, and position-velocity-orientation algorithms.
• Solution Scoping & PoC Execution: Strong capability to analyze complex technical specifications, design Proof of Concept architectures, and validate solutions against strict customer success criteria.
• Technical Presentation & Influence: Exceptional whiteboard, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage both executive leadership and technical engineering teams.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Proven track record of collaborating effectively with Sales, Product Engineering, Marketing, and Customer Success teams.
• Self-Management & Drive: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent pre-sales projects in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands: 

• Communication & Presentation: Must be able to frequently communicate verbally and in writing with customers, vendors, and internal teams; must be able to deliver technical presentations and engage in whiteboard discussions.
• Stationary Position & Movement: Regularly operates computer systems, office equipment, and diagnostic units. Required to sit, stand, or move about facilities and outdoor field test sites during client presentations and technical demonstrations.
• Lifting & Handling: Must be able to occasionally lift, transport, and set up field testing equipment, demo units, or loaner hardware weighing up to 35–50 pounds.

Work Environment: 

• Operates in a hybrid environment including corporate office settings, customer sites, and outdoor field testing environments.
• Requires routine navigation of secure facilities subject to strict U.S. export control (ITAR/EAR) compliance regulations.
• Involves occasional exposure to outdoor field conditions, marine environments, or testing laboratories subject to standard safety protocols.

Benefits & Perks:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options to support you and your family's well-being.
• Retirement Planning: Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a competitive company matching contribution up to 7%.
• Continuous Learning: Professional development allowance and budget allocations to support continuous security certifications, licensing, and education.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays to ensure you rest and recharge.

EEO Statement:

Advanced Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Reasonable Accommodation:

It is Advanced Navigations business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

Disclaimer:

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract and does not alter the at-will status of the employment relationship. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.