Payload Integration Engineer, Autonomous Systems

ABOUT FATHOM ROBOTICS

Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Fathom Robotics is hiring a Payload Integration Engineer to manage payloads, communications, and software baselines across the OEM USV platforms we operate and the payloads they carry: UAS systems, telemetry antennas, and electronic warfare systems. Each platform and payload arrives with its own interfaces, comms architecture, and update cycle. Much of the software is updated remotely by the OEMs; you own the coordination, the verification, and the record of what is running where.

You will report directly to the CEO and operate with wide latitude. You make the integration calls, set the configuration standards, and own the outcome.

This role pushes unmanned systems to their limits in high-stakes environments. If you enjoy being the technical bridge between new technologies and real-world execution, this is a phenomenal opportunity.

LOCATION: Ventura County, CA (Point Mugu Sea Range), 10-20% CONUS Travel

WORK TYPE: Full-Time, On-Site

CLEARANCE: US Person Required | SECRET Eligible (Minimum)

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

Monday you are in CAD designing a mount for a new EW payload and getting the first article made, in the shop or through our fab vendor. Tuesday an OEM pushes a remote firmware update, so you coordinate the window, verify the vehicles come back up clean, and log the new baseline across the fleet. Wednesday is comms day: SATCOM checks, telemetry link testing, and chasing down a flaky antenna feed before it becomes a range problem. Thursday and Friday you are on the water supporting a customer event, and what you integrated either works or you fix it on the spot.

PROGRAM CONDITIONS

Work is split between bench integration at the shop and field events on the range. Field events involve boat operations and outdoor coastal environments. CONUS travel supports test events and customer engagements at other ranges. Crunch periods around test milestones and customer demonstrations will require extended availability; outside those periods the schedule is steady.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrate USV payloads, including UAS systems, telemetry antennas, and EW systems: mounting, power, and data interfaces
• Work with payload providers to align size, weight, and power (SWaP) and maritime resiliency with vessel and mission profiles
• Manage vehicle and payload communications: SATCOM (Starlink/Starshield), RF telemetry links, antennas, and end-to-end link testing between vehicles, payloads, and control stations
• Own software and firmware baselines across USVs and payloads: coordinate remote OEM update windows, verify function after every update, and keep configuration records current
• Serve as the technical point of contact with platform OEMs, payload manufacturers, and government customers for integration issues, update releases, and interface documentation
• Work with other engineers to design custom mounts, brackets, and enclosures in CAD, get them made in-house or through our fab vendors, and install and validate them alongside wiring harnesses and interface hardware
• Bench test integrated payloads and comms ahead of field events
• Support on-water testing and customer demonstrations, including payload setup, comms checks, and real-time troubleshooting
• Write and maintain interface documentation and test reports

Requirements

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in electrical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, mechatronics, or a related field
• 3+ years of payload or sensor integration experience on unmanned platforms in any domain
• Working knowledge of RF data links, IP networking, and common serial interfaces (Ethernet, RS-232/485, CAN)
• Experience managing software or firmware updates and configuration baselines across multiple systems, with disciplined documentation habits
• Hands-on electronics skills: wiring, connectors, soldering, bench troubleshooting
• Able and willing to work outdoors and on boats during field test events
• Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

PREFERRED BACKGROUNDS

• Payload integration on fielded defense systems
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks or equivalent)
• SATCOM terminal setup and troubleshooting (Starlink/Starshield or similar)
• Experience working directly with OEM engineering or product support teams to field and sustain systems
• Hands-on UAS field experience: launch, recovery, and operation from vessels or austere sites
• Military maintenance, communications, or avionics background (ET, IT, AT, or similar rating/MOS)
• Active SECRET clearance

Benefits

We offer a flexible ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) plan, giving employees the freedom to choose their own health coverage through an online shopping platform. Each employee receives a $750 stipend to put toward their plan, and the funds can also be used toward other eligible health expenses. This approach lets you tailor your coverage to fit your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all option. We also offer a 401(k) plan.

Compensation: $115,000 to $218,000, commensurate with experience | Relocation bonus available