Field Applications Engineer

Location: Onsite — Austin, TX Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full-Time Job Title: Field Applications Engineer (Demo 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. 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.

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties

• 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

1. Phone call with recruiter (30 min)
2. 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. 3. 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.

1. Reference Checks & Offer