Forward Deployed Engineer

Icarus seeks a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer to work with solar-powered aircraft operating at 60,000 feet. Based in Los Angeles, CA, salary range $120K-$220K. Key Responsibilities: - Deploy forward with aircraft, ground systems, and engineers to real-world test sites - Handle on-site integration and troubleshooting of flight hardware and software - Act as the connective tissue between flight operations, engineering, and customers - Debug avionics, RF, power, software, and mechanical systems under pressure - Execute flight tests and demonstrations with minimal support - Collect flight data and operator feedback for product iteration - Support customer training and mission planning Requirements: - 2+ years working on real systems in aerospace, robotics, defense, autonomy, or hardware - Strong hands-on debugging skills across hardware and software - Ability to work across disciplines including avionics, RF, embedded software, and mechanical systems - Ability to operate independently in ambiguous, high-pressure environments - Strong communication skills with engineers, operators, and customers - Willingness to travel frequently and operate from remote test ranges and airfields Company Culture: Icarus emphasizes a high signal (engineers) to noise (management) ratio and expects full ownership of subsystems. The organization values builders over process, with direct work alongside the CEO and rapid iteration cycles.