Staff Forward Deployed Engineer, AQNav

About the role

SandboxAQ's AQNav (Quantum Navigation) team builds global, GPS-independent, navigation solutions from military and commercial aircraft to autonomous submersible platforms. We are the bridge between cutting-edge quantum sensing research and real-world operations, working directly alongside the defense customers and platform integrators at the highest levels to prove that magnetic navigation works where it matters most. The AQNav team is looking for a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer to join our team. This role is central to our efforts to own the technical reality of how AQNav performs in the field and to serve as the primary bridge between operational users and our product, engineering, and research teams. This role goes well beyond pre-sales support or basic integration. This person will: Deploy and validate AQNav on operational platforms , analyzing and translating complex multi-sensor data captured by you in real-world test environments into narratives that prove our performance to expert stakeholders at the most senior levels in the DOD based on tooling and visualizations you crafted Drive success in-situ, by using their hands-on software and hardware skills to ensure success in critical test events and demonstrations Set the tone for how we communicate with our most important customers , serving as the primary technical partner in business development efforts, presentations, and conferences

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical side of strategic pursuits. Own the technical workstream for high-impact customer pilots and presentations. Design and run experiments that compare AQNav against legacy and alt-PNT solutions. Deliver clear, quantitative customer analyses.
• Essential Skills & Experience
• PNT and navigation fundamentals. Strong understanding of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) principles and modern Alt-PNT approaches. You know how an IMU works, where GNSS can break down, and can explain concepts like drift and latency to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Hands-on aerospace or autonomy experience. 3+ years in aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems with direct hands-on experience integrating and developing hybrid (software and hardware) products and solutions for the DOD.
• Python and data analysis. Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, signal processing, and visualization. Comfortable parsing binary logs, building quick-turn scripts, and standing up dashboards or notebooks from a laptop in the field.
• Customer-facing communication. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to engineers, program managers, an

Benefits

Additional Information

About SandboxAQ SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company's Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors. We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders. At SandboxAQ, we've cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we're building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact.

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