Field Applications Engineer

Role Summary

• 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• Phone call with recruiter (30 min)
• First Round Virtual Interview (2 hour 15 min total) via MS Teams
• Part 1 (1 hour) - An evaluation of your core technical skills to confirm alignment with the required technical knowledge for this role.
• Interview Break (15 min) - A quick pause to step away and grab a glass of water.
• Part 2 (1 hour) - A deep dive into your hands-on experience with relevant technologies to explore your specific domain expertise.
• 2nd/Final Round Interview (6 hours) onsite in Austin, TX
• Hands-on Working Session (3 hours) - You’ll work through a small project alongside our team. We’ll look at how you approach problem-solving, leverage resources, and collaborate with team members to reach a solution.
• Architecture Discussion (1-2 hours) - A discussion focused on big-picture thinking—evaluating how components interact, system design considerations, and architectural recommendations.
• Wrap-up Conversations (30 min-1 hr) - Two 1:1 individual conversations to discuss team fit and address any questions you have for us.
• Reference Checks & Offer

About the Company

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.