---
title: 'Forward Deployed Engineer at BRINC'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/forward-deployed-engineer-brinc-seattle-w0pbp3wex6nf'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-06'
---

# Forward Deployed Engineer at BRINC

- **Company:** BRINC
- **Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Compensation:** $85k–$150k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-07-27
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/brinc/d4beac4b-fafd-49bc-91f2-8bae09634afb

## Job description

## ABOUT BRINC:

At BRINC, we are building the technology that will define the future of emergency response. As a vertically integrated U.S. drone technology company, BRINC designs and manufactures unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous drone stations, command-and-control software, and advanced autonomy for public safety. Today, BRINC deploys Drone as First Responder (DFR) networks that dispatch drones directly to 911 calls, providing real-time aerial intelligence before ground units arrive and helping first responders make faster, safer decisions. BRINC serves more than 1,000 public safety customers across all 50 states, is the sole drone supplier to Motorola Solutions, and has raised more than $280 million from leading strategic and technology investors, including Motorola Solutions, Index Ventures, Sam Altman, Dylan Field, and others. BRINC is recruiting exceptional engineers to build the next generation of autonomous emergency-response technology, including flight-critical firmware and advanced pilot-assistance capabilities.

## ABOUT THIS ROLE:

We are seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to embed onsite with BRINC’s most critical customers and own their success in the field. You will support the installation and commissioning of BRINC’s end-to-end drone systems and live operational flights, triage and debug issues across hardware, firmware, and software, and implement fixes on-site. You will be the direct line between the customer and engineering at headquarters, turning what you see in real operations into shipped features and resolved issues. This is a hybrid of software engineering, technical support, and product expertise, and it suits someone equally comfortable writing code, flying a drone, and briefing customer command staff.

This role is upwards of 90% travel and suits someone genuinely excited to be on the road and embedded with our customers. Expect multi-week deployments at key customer sites, with regular travel to BRINC’s Seattle headquarters in between.

## KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Deploy onsite for multi-week engagements with critical customers to install, configure, and commission BRINC drones, robotic drone nests, remote controllers, and proprietary LiveOps software into live 911 response operations.
- Support live operational flights, including preparation testing, pre-operational briefings with contingencies, and debriefs with customer personnel and BRINC teams.
- Triage and debug issues in the field across software, firmware, hardware, networking, and RF, driving them to root cause under operational time pressure.
- Implement and validate fixes on-site. Write, test, and deploy code and configuration changes, then upstream that work into the mainline product.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison between the customer and engineering at headquarters, translating field observations into reproducible bug reports, requirements, and feature specifications.
- Rotate back to BRINC’s Seattle headquarters to work directly with embedded, perception, controls, test, and manufacturing engineers, landing new features and fixes and validating them in the operational environment before broad release.
- Maintain deep technical expertise in BRINC products and proprietary software, a high level of flying proficiency, and an FAA Part 107 Pilot’s License with all required recurrent training.
- Build trust-based relationships with customers and public safety agencies, and remain a calm, credible presence during mission-critical incidents.
- Document issues, create knowledge base articles, and contribute to training materials and runbooks so field learnings scale to the team and to the customer.
- Participate in an after-hours support rotation to ensure continuous service for agencies operating 24/7/365.
- Responsibly manage assigned BRINC equipment and maintain its functionality and appearance in front of our public safety partners.

## QUALIFICATIONS:

- 4+ years of industry experience in software engineering, field engineering, systems engineering, or technical support of complex hardware systems.
- Proven experience troubleshooting complex technical systems across hardware, firmware, and software.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Part 107 license and currency certifications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive while supporting public safety customers in mission-critical situations.
- Willingness to participate in rotating after-hours on-call support schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to travel upwards of 90%, including multi-week deployments at customer sites, regular travel to BRINC’s Seattle headquarters, and deployments on short notice.
- Proficiency in Python and the ability to read, modify, and debug C/C++.
- Working knowledge of Linux environments, command-line tools, scripting, and basic networking for diagnostics.
- Strong understanding of embedded systems, robotics, or electro-mechanical devices.
- Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment, take initiative, and communicate effectively.

## PREFERRED SKILLS

- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years supporting UAS, robotics platforms, or other safety-critical hardware in operational environments.
- Prior experience in a forward deployed, field application, or customer-embedded engineering role.
- Experience developing software for UAV and UAS used in commercial, industrial, or defense applications.
- Experience with flight control, navigation, and autonomy applications.
- Experience with standard embedded interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, etc.) and interpreting logs and telemetry from embedded systems.
- Familiarity with real-time video and telemetry systems, and operations center software.
- Experience with cellular and wireless network operations, including RF troubleshooting in the field.
- Prior experience working directly with public safety agencies, first responders, or government entities.
- Public safety and sUAS program experience, including working knowledge of FAA Part 107, public safety COA, and COW regulations.
- Track record of contributing to technical documentation, training content, or customer-facing knowledge bases.
- Strong skills in debugging, root cause analysis, and performance optimization.

## BRINC CULTURE VALUES:

- Try the hard stuff
- Be innovative - Invent the future
- Move fast
- Listen to end-users
- Strive for excellence
- Don’t build a dystopia
- Be frugal
- Save lives through technology

If you’re interested in this role and in joining BRINC, we hope you’ll apply. We’d love to review your application and get to know more about you!

BRINC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is resolute in cultivating an environment that promotes safety, diversity, inclusion and equity. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering every employee so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need, please let our recruiting team know - we strive to provide appropriate accommodation and assistance.

Benefits and perks listed below may vary based on the nature of your employment with BRINC and/or the country within which you work

- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for our employees and their families
- 401K plan
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Flexible Time Off (Exempt) / Paid time off (Non-Exempt)
- Flexible work environment
- Orca pass (for those in Puget Sound)
- Free snacks, drinks and espresso (Seattle office)

## About BRINC

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: BRINC develops end-to-end drone hardware, software, and services built exclusively for public safety, helping first responders de-escalate dangerous situations and save lives.
- **Entity Type**: Private (venture-backed; has raised over $217M in total funding)
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, United States
- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Blake Resnick

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Drone technology, public safety technology, aerospace and defense, robotics
- **Target customers**: Public safety agencies — police, fire, and emergency response departments across the U.S. and globally (B2G/B2B)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To revolutionize public safety by leveraging technology to de-escalate dangerous situations — deploying drones to get eyes and ears in harm’s way without risking lives.

## Products & Services
BRINC offers a connected ecosystem of hardware, software, and services built exclusively for public safety:

- **LEMUR 2 (Indoor Tactical Drone)**: A small, rugged drone designed for indoor operations with features like a glass breaker, 2-way comms (acts as a "flying cell phone"), 4K day/night/thermal camera, and 42-minute flight time. Used for tactical response and building clearing.
- **Guardian (Mid-Sized Outdoor Drone)**: A larger outdoor drone built for Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) programs. Features 640x visual zoom, 64x HD thermal zoom, 40x optical zoom, 62-minute flight time, 60 mph top speed, satellite connectivity, and robotic battery/payload swapping.
- **Responder Station**: A docking/charging station for drones that enables remote operations and teleoperations. Supports robotic battery and payload swapping.
- **Two-Way Comms (Handheld Device)**: A Verizon-connected communication device for first responders with 20-hour talk time, 6-day standby, loudspeaker (audible up to 100 feet), and 2-way comms capabilities.
- **BRINC Safeguard Program**: A subscription-based support program covering hardware/software upgrades, unlimited repairs & replacements, maintenance, and 24/7/365 customer support.
- **BRINC Software Suite**: A web app for team and device management, livestreaming, evidence management, real-time floor plan generation (2D floor plans mid-flight), API integrations, and teleoperations. Includes planning, training, and integration services.
- **Grant Assistance Program**: Helps public safety agencies secure funding for drone programs.
- **DFR (Drone as First Responder) Programs**: Full program support including policy development, FAA Part 107/COA, public education, training, staffing, and operational support for 24/7/365 911 drone response covering up to 200 square miles.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (private company).
- **Key Metric**: Over $217.2M in total funding raised across 4 rounds (per LinkedIn); annual revenue estimated at $4.5M (per LinkedIn, likely conservative for a hardware company).
- **Annual Revenue**: According to GeekWire, the company "more than tripled revenue" in 2025 and "quintupled monthly production capacity."
- **Customer Base**: Deployed by over 900 public safety agencies in all 50 U.S. states and globally.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not explicitly named in source materials, but the company is backed by significant venture capital. Partnership with Verizon for cellular connectivity.
- **Growth Signals**:
    - Headcount grew 56% YoY (123 employees per LinkedIn; GeekWire reports 160 employees in early 2026).
    - Company expects to exceed 250 employees by end of 2026.
    - Moving to a massive new 50,000 sq ft HQ and factory in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood (West Canal Yards), doubling production footprint.
    - Unveiled the new Guardian drone in 2026.
    - Designed, supported, and made in the USA; NDAA, CJIS, and SOC2 compliant — a key differentiator for government clients.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Mission-Driven Focus**: Purpose-built exclusively for public safety — not a repurposed consumer drone. Founded directly in response to the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting to prevent similar tragedies.
- **End-to-End Single Vendor**: Offers hardware, software, and services (including training, grant assistance, 24/7 support) from one partner, reducing complexity for agencies.
- **U.S.-Based Manufacturing**: All drones designed, supported, and made in the USA. Compliant with NDAA, CJIS, and SOC2 standards — critical for government and law enforcement contracts.
- **Deep Customer Empathy**: Founder Blake Resnick has 30+ years of public safety experience and went on dozens of callouts with Las Vegas SWAT to develop the product. The company "listens to end users" as a core principle.
- **Unique Feature Set**: Glass breaker entry, real-time 2D floor plan generation, satellite connectivity for unlimited range, 2-way comms integrated into drones, and robotic battery/payload swapping — all purpose-built for emergency scenarios.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scaling Manufacturing** to meet accelerating demand — new 50,000 sq ft HQ/factory in Seattle is designed for massive production scale with tight engineering/manufacturing integration.
- **Expanding DFR (Drone as First Responder) Programs** — helping agencies move from occasional drone use to 24/7/365 911 dispatch coverage, reducing police officer exposure to danger and clearing non-priority calls by drone alone.
- **International Expansion** — already deployed globally, but growth is focused on broadening international footprint.
- **Continuous Product Innovation** — launching the Guardian drone (mid-sized outdoor), developing improved autonomy and teleoperations capabilities, and expanding the software ecosystem.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Culture**: "Save lives through technology" and "Don't build dystopia" are explicit company principles. Employees work on technology that directly reduces harm and protects first responders.
- **Cutting-Edge Hardware + Software**: Work on drones, robotics, embedded systems, autonomy, computer vision, cellular communication, web apps, and manufacturing — a rare full-stack hardware/software challenge.
- **Rapid Growth Stage**: Headcount growing from 123 to 250+ in one year. Early-stage employees have significant ownership and impact potential.
- **Company Principles**: "Try the hard stuff," "Be innovative – invent the future," "Be frugal," "Demand excellence in everything," "Move FAST," "Listen to end users."
- **Location**: On-site in Seattle, WA (Fremont/Queen Anne neighborhoods). BRINC's new HQ is a former fish cannery along the Lake Washington Ship Canal — unique industrial space with manufacturing and engineering under one roof.
- **Work Arrangement**: Primarily on-site roles in Seattle (per career page: "On-site (Seattle, WA)" for most engineering and manufacturing positions). Some remote roles exist (e.g., Manager, DFR Field Operations).
- **Perks & Culture**: High-trust environment with a flat structure; direct exposure to founder/CEO; opportunity to interface with real customers (police, fire, EMS) and see the impact of your work.
- **Engineering Focus**: Roles span mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, RF engineering, embedded software, autonomy, test engineering, software development (SDET), and R&D. Strong emphasis on iterative design and real-world testing with first responders.
- **Values**: "Be open, transparent and honest," "Move carefully and with purpose," "Be mindful of the implications of our work."

## Sources
1. [brincdrones.com - Homepage](https://brincdrones.com/)
2. [brincdrones.com - About](https://brincdrones.com/about/)
3. [brincdrones.com - Careers](https://brincdrones.com/work-at-brinc/)
4. [LinkedIn - BRINC Drones](https://www.linkedin.com/company/brincdrones)
5. [GeekWire - Drone home: Brinc moving to massive new HQ and factory](https://www.geekwire.com/2026/drone-home-brinc-moving-to-massive-new-hq-and-factory-in-seattle-amid-startups-rapid-growth/

_…truncated._

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