At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deploy cutting-edge Spatial AI technology for autonomous vehicles in challenging environments.
- Company: Join SPAICE, a leader in geospatial intelligence for defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, wellness perks, and exciting team retreats.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on experience and opportunities for travel and field testing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on autonomy challenges while working with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: M.S. in relevant field, strong C++ and Python skills, and experience in software integration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SPAICE is building the geospatial intelligence layer for autonomous vehicles operating where GNSS is unavailable, unreliable, or denied. Our Spatial AI enables drones and satellites to determine their position, understand their surroundings, and transform every detection into actionable, geo-referenced intelligence. From denied airspace on Earth to complex orbital environments, SPAICE delivers resilient navigation and persistent situational awareness in any condition.
At SPAICE, you’ll work on some of the hardest autonomy challenges across air and space, developing technology for GNSS-independent flight, orbital awareness, formation flying, and autonomous operations. You’ll work alongside a mission-driven team and leading aerospace and defence partners, turning advanced research into systems with a tangible impact on real-world missions.
As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you’ll work in small, highly technical teams and take ownership of high-stakes customer projects from initial requirements through integration, deployment, testing, and operational delivery. You’ll act as the technical bridge between SPAICE’s Spatial AI and autonomy technology and our customers’ real-world platforms and operating environments. Your work will span software engineering, system configuration, robotics integration, networking, hardware interfaces, field testing, and customer collaboration.
This is a hands-on role for someone who can move comfortably between writing production code, debugging systems in the field, designing integration architectures, and communicating directly with defence, aerospace, and government stakeholders.
What you might work on:
- Space & defence missions: Deploy and operationalise SPAICE technology with defence organisations, aerospace companies, government customers, and platform manufacturers, from customer integration facilities to live operational environments.
- End-to-end system integration: Integrate SPAICE’s perception, navigation, and autonomy software with drones, satellites, robotic platforms, flight computers, sensors, autopilots, communication systems, and customer-built infrastructure.
- Software and systems engineering: Develop production-quality software, configure Linux-based systems, build deployment tooling, and troubleshoot issues across applications, operating systems, networks, and hardware interfaces.
- Customer platform integration: Bridge customer-built systems and SPAICE’s products through APIs, middleware, communication protocols, data pipelines, and custom software components.
- Deployment and field testing: Configure and validate systems on embedded computers and edge AI hardware, support flight and field trials, analyse system behaviour, and resolve technical problems under real operational constraints.
What we are looking for:
- M.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Strong C++ and Python skills.
- Experience integrating and deploying complex software systems.
- Broad knowledge of Linux, networking, embedded systems, robotics, or hardware integration.
- Ability to debug across software, operating systems, sensors, networks, and hardware.
- Experience with simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or field trials.
- Strong problem-solving skills in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
- Excellent communication and customer-facing skills.
- Willingness to travel to customer and test sites.
Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and impact.
- Equity options – you will join us at the ground floor and share in the upside.
- Well‑being perks – access to premium gyms, climbing centers, and wellness programs.
- Team retreats & offsites – recent adventures include a half‑marathon in Formentera and a Los Angeles retreat during Oscars weekend.
Forward Deployed Engineer employer: SPAICE
At SPAICE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among top-tier aerospace professionals. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment, where your contributions directly impact real missions in space and autonomous systems. Located at the forefront of aerospace advancements, SPAICE provides unique opportunities for meaningful work that shapes the future of navigation and control in challenging environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forward Deployed Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with SPAICE for a Forward Deployed Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Forward Deployed Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at SPAICE, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At SPAICE, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at SPAICE
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with SPAICE.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with SPAICE. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like SPAICE love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
