Mission Engineer - Air Systems

Location: Remote/Hybrid/United States

Apium Swarm Robotics (ASR) is revolutionizing swarm autonomy software for air, surface,
undersea, and ground vehicles operating across dual-use commercial and defense environments.
Our systems are deployed on real platforms, tested in the field, and delivered to customers
operating in complex, uncertain, and safety-critical conditions.
We do not build research prototypes or slideware. Our software is integrated into real vehicles,
tested in the field, and delivered to customers who depend on operational reliability, speed of
execution, and mission relevance. We prioritize performance over hype.
ASR systems represent the next phase in autonomy: collaborative swarming. These are not like
pre-programmed drones for light shows. We are creating real-time cooperative management that
lets one operator control dozens to hundreds of vehicles in real-time with the ease of controlling
a single vehicle. As such, this role requires comfort with responsibility, ambiguity, and
operational accountability.
About the Job

Mission Engineering is responsible for deploying, operating, maintaining, and supporting
autonomous vehicle systems in real-world environments. This role sits at the intersection
of business development, engineering, and field deployment, and is critical to ensuring
ASR systems perform reliably outside the lab.
You will primarily operate and support unmanned ASR-equipped unmanned aerial
vehicles. As time and company opportunities permit, you will also support surface,
undersea, and ground vehicles in both commercial and defense contexts, often in
unfamiliar, austere, or high-tempo environments. You will work with a significant level
of autonomy, make decisions, and provide direct feedback to engineering and sales teams
based on real operational experience and customer engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Deploy, operate, and maintain UAS, USV, UUV, and UGV platforms in the field
Support mission execution involving autonomous and semi-autonomous systems
Configure, operate, and troubleshoot autonomy and autopilot hardware/software in realtime
operational conditions
Perform systems integration, pre-mission checks, and post-mission analysis
Maintain and repair vehicle systems, payloads, and supporting ground equipment

Operate systems in environments with limited infrastructure, communications, or support
Provide detailed operational feedback to engineering teams to improve system
performance and reliability
Support business development engagements, demonstrations, customer evaluations,
training events, and deployments
Travel to test sites, customer locations, and operational environments
Represent ASR professionally with customers, partners, and government stakeholders
Required Qualifications
5 years of hands-on experience deploying, operating, or maintaining unmanned systems
(UAS, USV, UUV, UGV)
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience operating systems in austere field and/or maritime operational environments
Strong mechanical, electrical, or systems troubleshooting skills
Comfort working independently with limited oversight
Ability to remain calm and effective under operational pressure
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, sometimes on short notice

Preferred Qualifications

Military experience operating, maintaining, or deploying unmanned systems in land, air,
or maritime domains
Experience with autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operations
Experience supporting defense, maritime, aerospace, or safety-critical commercial
operations
Familiarity with command-and-control systems, mission planning software, or autonomy
platforms
Experience working in classified, export-controlled, or government-adjacent
environments
U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one
Operational Requirements
Ability to travel, including international travel
Ability to work irregular hours in support of field operations and deployments
Ability to lift, transport, and operate heavy field equipment as required

This Role May Be A Good Fit If
You enjoy operating real systems in the real world
You are comfortable making decisions with incomplete information
You take ownership of problems and drive them to resolution
You communicate clearly under pressure
You prefer autonomy and responsibility over rigid process
This Role Is Not for You If
You prefer desk-only or lab-only work
You are uncomfortable traveling or operating in unfamiliar field conditions
You require highly structured environments and constant oversight
You are unwilling to be accountable for operational outcomes

Compensation: Salary Range 110K - 137K plus equity and potential bonuses.