Field Applications Engineer

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.

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.

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.

• • 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.

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.

4. Reference Checks & Offer