--- title: 'Perception and Autonomy Engineer at Saronic Technologies' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/perception-and-autonomy-engineer-saronic-technologies-austin-59b4t7p1h0za' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-05' --- # Perception and Autonomy Engineer at Saronic Technologies - **Company:** [Saronic Technologies](https://feeny.ai/companies/saronic-technologies) - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-03-18 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-05 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic/36bc1c45-abbf-47dc-8fcb-11570da920bb/application **Skills:** Programming, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Large Scale Systems, Deep Learning, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Rust, Signal Processing, Sensor Fusion, Low Latency Inference, Path Planning Algorithms, Multi-modal Model Training, Maritime Systems, Autonomous Vehicle Projects, Tracking Pipelines, Multi-modal Sensors, Radar, Cameras, Lidar > Design, develop, and implement perception systems for autonomous surface vessels. The role involves creating algorithms for navigation, analyzing large data systems for model training, and developing metrics for performance evaluation. ## Job description Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Job Overview We are seeking a Perception Engineer to play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and implementing perception systems for our autonomous surface vessels. Our team is laser focused on making boats go and perform tasks with no human involvement. This job is available at multiple levels, including entry, senior, and staff. Responsibilities: - Develop algorithms and models which allow boats to sense and navigate - Develop metrics which allow quantitative analysis of improvements and regressions in boat performance - Analyze and work with large data systems to enable model training and evaluation Requirements: - Strong programming fundamentals - Extensive programming experience and demonstrated ability to work on large systems - Computing Fundamentals - A general understanding of operating systems and or similar large scale systems - An understanding of basic computer architecture - A demonstrated willingness to learn and pivot based on new information Useful Skills: - Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) - Understanding of various filters and their applications - Proficiency in Rust - Experience with maritime or autonomous vehicle projects - Experience with signals processing or sensor fusion - Experience with low latency inference and tracking pipelines - Experience with path planning algorithms - Experience training and deploying multi modal models - Experience with various sensors including radar, cameras, and lidar - Experience developing and optimizing deployed ML systems Physical Demands: - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) Benefits: - Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services - Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care - Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents - Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays - Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents - Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses - Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan - Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success - Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage - Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. ## About Saronic Technologies ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Saronic Technologies builds autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that combine hardware, software, and artificial intelligence to deliver scalable maritime security and domain awareness for naval forces. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series D, total funding $2.6B) - **Headquarters**: Austin, Texas, United States - **Founded**: 2022 - **Founders**: Dino Mavrookas (CEO), Vibhav Altekar (CTO), Doug Lambert (COO), Rob Lehman (CCO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – autonomous maritime systems - **Target customers**: U.S. and allied naval forces, government defense agencies (B2G) - **Mission or purpose statement**: “Redefine maritime superiority” by providing the most advanced and capable autonomous vessels to address emerging threats and revolutionize naval warfare. ## Products & Services - **Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs)**: A family of unmanned vessels (including models like *Mirage*, *Cipher*, and the 150‑foot *Marauder*) designed for launch from small craft, fleet assets, or beachheads. Capabilities include adaptive path planning, passive sensor tracking, resilient multi‑channel communications, and diverse payload integration. - **Echelon Platform**: A unified software suite for mission planning, simulation, and command‑and‑control of autonomous surface vessels. - **Capabilities Suite**: Integrated hardware/software stack covering launch, maneuver, perceive, communicate, execute, enable, and recover. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (latest Series D at $1.8B implies a valuation well into the billions) - **Key Metric**: Total funding $2.6B (Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series D); annual revenue reported at $9.5M - **Notable Investors/Partners**: 8VC (Seed lead), Caffeinated Capital (Series A lead), Andreessen Horowitz (Series B lead), Kleiner Perkins (Series D lead). Strategic acquisition of Gulf Craft (April 2025) to accelerate shipbuilding. - **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 785 employees (+218.7% YoY), 296 active job postings, awarded a $392M Navy contract, international offices in Australia, United Kingdom, and Japan. ## Competitive Advantages - **Founder experience**: Co‑founder/CEO Dino Mavrookas is a former Navy SEAL with eight combat tours; the leadership team includes veterans and technologists who understand military needs firsthand. - **Proven technology**: Autonomous vessels already deployed in contested environments, with a $392M Navy contract validating the platform. - **Vertical integration**: In‑house manufacturing and software development, plus the acquisition of Gulf Craft for scaled shipbuilding. - **Rapid scaling**: Massive funding and headcount growth signal strong investor and customer confidence. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling production of ASVs from prototype to full manufacturing lines (new Head of Manufacturing hired). - Expanding vessel lineup with larger platforms (150‑foot *Marauder*) and international partnerships in the Indo‑Pacific and Europe. - Deepening the software ecosystem (Echelon) for mission planning and manned‑unmanned teaming. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “United We Win” (teamwork, respect), “Trust Fuels Triumph” (transparency, integrity), “Solutions Driven” (creative problem‑solving), and “One Mission” (national security focus). - **Work environment**: Primarily on‑site in Austin, TX, with additional offices in Australia, UK, and Japan. High‑growth startup pace with a mission‑driven defense focus. - **Perks & ratings**: LinkedIn employer rating 4.2/5.0 (compensation 4.5, culture 4.0, career 4.3). Notable talent drawn from SpaceX, Tesla, Anduril, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin. - **Engineering culture**: Heavy emphasis on cross‑disciplinary teams (perception, navigation, ML, C2, systems integration) and building “captainless” ships. ## Sources 1. [saronic.com](https://www.saronic.com/) – Homepage, capabilities, and news (Navy contract) 2. [saronic.com/team](https://www.saronic.com/team) – Founders, leadership, values 3. [saronic.com/mission](https://www.saronic.com/mission) – Mission statement 4. [linkedin.com/company/saronic-technologies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/saronic-technologies) – Financials, headcount, funding rounds, investors, reviews 5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/saronic) – Active job postings ## Other roles at Saronic Technologies - [Graphics Programmer](https://feeny.ai/job/graphics-programmer-saronic-technologies-austin-ga8v1vph46a5) — Austin, TX - [Mission Operations Engineer (Platform)](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-operations-engineer-platform-saronic-technologies-austin-73yq3rgqr24a) — Austin, TX - [Deputy Program Manager, Engineering Services](https://feeny.ai/job/deputy-program-manager-engineering-services-saronic-technologies-virginia-beach-ewe12bedt12v) — Virginia Beach, VA - [Product Marketing Manager, Software](https://feeny.ai/job/product-marketing-manager-software-saronic-technologies-austin-k9crjk4dvty3) — Austin, TX - [Senior Product Marketing Manager, Ships & Boats](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-product-marketing-manager-ships-boats-saronic-technologies-austin-ywca28r2geen) — Austin, TX - [Mission Operations Engineer (Platform)](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-operations-engineer-platform-saronic-technologies-san-diego-6hjgyt6dqj26) — San Diego, CA - [Senior Program Scheduler](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-program-scheduler-saronic-technologies-arlington-3d1c48c1dhy7) — Arlington, VA - [Senior Corporate Counsel](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-corporate-counsel-saronic-technologies-austin-d9bkqpagka84) — Austin, TX - [Senior Financial Analyst - Manufacturing Finance](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-financial-analyst-manufacturing-finance-saronic-technologies-austin-wcxws5sbffy7) — Austin, TX - [Senior Financial Analyst - FinOps](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-financial-analyst-finops-saronic-technologies-austin-qrhbnc5nmem4) — Austin, TX