Forward Deployed Software Engineer (Syracuse, NY)
✨ AI Summary
Archangel Autonomy, an AI and robotics company protecting military and critical infrastructure, is hiring a Forward Deployed Software Engineer in Syracuse, NY. The role focuses on deploying vision and language models to the tactical edge using Python, PyTorch, Docker, and vector databases like Milvus or FAISS. Candidates need a CS degree, strong Linux and LLM experience, and must be willing to travel up to 30% for on-site deployments. Benefits include medical insurance, 15 days PTO, and a 401k plan.
About Us
At Archangel, we deploy AI and robotics to protect service personnel, military personnel, critical infrastructure, and first responders in large, remote areas. Our mission is to make machines smart enough to become competent teammates instead of just tools, working alongside society’s most exposed workers in remote and challenging locations to protect people, infrastructure, assets and planet at scale.
The role
Joining us as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer, you will have an opportunity to bring state-of-the-art AI to the tactical edge. You will be adapting and deploying vision and language models for compute efficiency and local context, using tools from our existing codebase as well as state-of-the-art tools. This is not a traditional developer role, you will be working directly with the users and traveling to customer sites, building solutions rapidly sometimes on site under difficult conditions.
Skills Needed
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Machine Learning, or equivalent experience.
- Strong programming skills, particularly in Python; experience with Java or C++ is also valuable.
- Experience developing in Linux environments.
- Experience building solutions with LLMs, generative AI, RAG, embeddings, or other applied AI systems.
- Strong foundation in machine learning, including evaluation, training, and problem decomposition.
- Experience with Docker, networking, deployment scripts, and local model-serving tools.
- Familiarity with PyTorch, Hugging Face, llama.cpp, Ollama, vLLM, or similar frameworks.
- Familiarity with vector databases such as Milvus, FAISS, Qdrant, Chroma, or similar.
- Experience building reliable systems with logging, watchdogs, crash recovery, automated testing, CI/CD, and field diagnostics.
- Ability to quickly understand complex systems and established codebases.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively across software, hardware, UI, and operational teams.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable owning features end-to-end in a small, fast-moving team.
- Willingness to travel up to 30% to build, test, deploy, and troubleshoot systems in the field.
- U.S. Person status.
Nice to Have
- Experience with NVIDIA platforms, CUDA, or TensorRT.
- Android or Java development experience.
- ATAK, TAK Server, TAKChat, CoT, or TAK plugin experience.
- Experience with mesh networks, distributed communications, low-bandwidth systems, or disconnected environments.
- Secure software development experience, including authentication, encryption, least privilege, audit logging, and secrets handling.
- Experience troubleshooting remotely deployed software systems.
- Rapid prototyping or 3D printing experience.
- Hands-on experience with electrical or mechanical systems.
- Knowledge of military systems, operational tactics, or tactical communications.
Benefits
- Employees can enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Employees are entitled to 15 days PTO per year and 1 week paid time off built into the end of each year (subject to team and business needs).
- Employees can enroll in Archangel’s 401k plan.
The Archangel Experience
We are makers and engineers first, driven by the desire to solve challenges that matter. Automation is how humanity moves forward and for us it’s more than a method; it is a mindset- central to how we streamline work and deliver cutting edge solutions that make a real difference.
Our culture is grounded in high integrity, teamwork, and a shared pursuit of excellence. Learning never stops here. We prioritise growth, knowledge sharing, and collaboration so every team member is empowered to thrive. We are looking for people who are proactive, collaborative, and passionate about purpose led technology. If you are excited by meaningful challenges, thrive in fast paced environments, and want to build technology that supports solving real-world problems, you will feel right at home.
Location
This is an office-based role, primarily requiring work in our Syracuse NYC location, with travel expected.
Interested?
Apply now and someone from our office will get back to you. The usual process includes a screening call, a live coding test, followed by a meeting with more of the team to get to know each other. That’s it! Apply now and join us and pioneer a better future!
About the Company
Archangel Autonomy, based in Oxford, UK, and Syracuse, NY, specializes in creating advanced AI co-pilots for deployed machinery, including drones and cameras. Our cutting-edge technology transforms machines making them smart enough to become team-mates working alongside humans to protect valuable assets, personnel, and resources in remote, contested or denied locations.
Working with us means you’ll be working within a tight-knit team that is:
- Visionary, we build the previously impossible.
- Trusted in the industry.
- Courageous, flexible and resilient.
- Problem owners and solutions finders.
- Reflective, learning and continuously improving.
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