Deployment Engineer, Software
Field deployment engineer for Valinor Condor: embeds with customers on multi-week on-site deployments to install, configure, and debug drone systems across hardware, firmware, and software (C++, Python, Linux), supports test flights and training, and feeds field learnings back into R&D. Hybrid role based in New York or North Carolina with heavy travel (50-75%).
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Raleigh, NC
- Work setup
- Hybrid
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, EE, Robotics, or closely related field, or equivalent experience
- 2 to 6 years of experience in software engineering, robotics, field engineering, or technical support of complex hardware systems
- Real embedded software experience with proficiency in C++ and Python
- Proficiency with Linux, serial protocols (UART, I2C), and networking
- Proven track record troubleshooting systems across hardware, firmware, and software
- Experience building frontend software and flight control logic
- Ability to fly and debug drones, or ramp quickly, including obtaining an FAA Part 107 license
- Clear communication with engineers and non-technical users, and calm decisive judgment under pressure
- Willingness to travel upwards of 50%, including multi-week customer deployments
- Based near, or willing to relocate to, the New York or North Carolina site; hybrid in office when not traveling
- Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62) based in the United States due to EAR/ITAR export controls
Nice to have
- Forward-deployed or field application engineering experience
- Flight control, navigation, or autonomy work
- Startup experience
- Background at a hardware-product company (robotics, drones, automotive)
Full description
Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.
Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.
About The Role
Valinor Condor is seeking a Deployment Engineer to embed with customers and integration partners and serve as the link between the field and Condor's R&D team. This is a software-focused role that also touches hardware, product, and drone piloting, built for a generalist who likes range and customer contact. You'll support training, test flights, and live debugging across hardware and software, and turn real operational feedback into shipped features. The role is hybrid with a home base at our Raleigh, North Carolina site and involves upwards of 75% travel, including multi-week on-site deployments.
What You'll Do
- Deploy on-site with customers and integration partners for multi-week engagements to install, configure, and bring Condor systems into live operations.
- Support operational and test flights end to end, including pre-flight testing, briefings with contingency plans, and debriefs with customer and Condor teams.
- Lead customer training and help operators get confident on the system.
- Debug live issues across hardware, firmware, and software, often on the spot.
- Write, test, and deploy code and configuration fixes in the field, then upstream that work into the core product.
- Serve as the main technical link between the customer and R&D, turning field observations into reproducible bug reports, requirements, and feature specs.
- Work with R&D at the NY and NC base to land fixes and features, and validate them in the field before wide release.
- Write runbooks, knowledge base articles, and training materials so fixes scale beyond a single site.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, EE, Robotics, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.
- 2 to 6 years of experience in software engineering, robotics, field engineering, or technical support of complex hardware systems.