--- title: 'Staff Forward Deployed Engineer, AQNav at SandboxAQ' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-forward-deployed-engineer-aqnav-sandboxaq-united-states-3np114rywax2' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # Staff Forward Deployed Engineer, AQNav at SandboxAQ - **Company:** SandboxAQ - **Location:** United States - **Compensation:** $118k–$222k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** remote - **Posted:** 2026-04-27 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/sandboxaq/24f6e875-5e3f-4601-8a6e-74ee542c3cb5/application **Skills:** Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), Altitude, Latitude, and Time (ALT) Navigation, Instrumentation Drift Analysis, Python, Signal Processing, Data Visualization, Binary Log Parsing, Aerospace Systems Integration, Autonomy Systems, Hybrid Software and Hardware Development, Kalman Filtering, Sensor Fusion, Simulation, Digital Twin Environments, DoD Platform Integration, Scientific Data Analysis > The Staff Forward Deployed Engineer serves as the primary technical bridge between operational users and the product team for the AQNav Quantum Navigation system. This role involves deploying and validating AQNav on operational platforms, developing Python-based field analysis tooling, and translating complex sensor... ## Job description ## 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. ## THE OPPORTUNITY 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 ## KEY 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. - Build and own field analysis tooling. Develop and maintain Python-based pipelines to ingest, clean, and analyze heterogeneous sensor and navigation logs (including binary formats). Extend internal simulation and replay tools to match real mission profiles. Create repeatable visualization and reporting templates that turn raw data into decisions. - Translate performance data into stakeholder narratives. Convert logs, bias drifts, error growth, and RMSE metrics into concise, accurate stories for operators, engineers, and senior executives. Contribute materially to technical content for customer briefings, program reviews, and business development presentations. - Bridge operations and R&D. Turn field observations into well-structured, testable requirements. Partner with product, research, and engineering teams to prioritize issues, design follow-on experiments, and push for clarity around performance metrics, success criteria, and tradeoffs so that teams are aligned on what "right looks like." - Lead field integration and represent AQNav externally. Guide integration of AQNav with mission computers, flight controllers, and onboard sensors, working closely with platform integrators and OEMs. Travel for on-site tests, integrations, customer meetings, and conferences, representing AQNav as a trusted, authoritative partner. ## 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, and senior leaders, both internally and externally. Able to build trust quickly by being technical, communicative, transparent, and responsive to customer needs. - Education and availability. B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field (or equivalent practical experience). Willing and able to travel up to 30%, typically scheduled several weeks in advance, for tests, integrations, customer engagements, and conferences. ## HIGHLY DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE - Advanced degree and deep industry tenure. M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant field specializing in guidance and navigation controls, with 5+ years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Strong background in defense or dual-use programs, including working with performance requirements, test plans, and verification approaches, and an ability to communicate comfortably with senior military members and their advisors. - Advanced Python applied to demanding domains. Significant, current, hands-on experience using Python for scientific or large-scale data analysis and visualization, inspecting time-series and signal processing pipelines, and automated generation of reports and KPIs for technical stakeholders. - Sensor fusion, estimation, and simulation. Exposure to Kalman filtering or related estimation techniques, with an understanding of how sensors like magnetometers, visual odometry, LiDAR, and barometric altimeters contribute to a navigation stack and how their failures manifest. Experience with simulation or digital twin environments used to validate missions virtually before flight or deployment, with a realistic sense of when simulation is and is not predictive. - DoD platform integration experience. Experience integrating hardware and software onto DoD or comparable platforms (manned or unmanned aircraft, UxVs, or surface vessels). Familiarity with DoD requirements and standards relevant to SW, navigation, or autonomy (for example, experience in acquisition, test, or certification environments). - Field credibility and clearance eligibility. Track record of serving as the "go-to" engineer in the field, someone who can debug, analyze, and explain under pressure while keeping cross-functional teams aligned. Already hold, or are eligible to obtain, a U.S. security clearance. WHY JOIN US? We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth. - Compensation: Competitive base salary, performance-based incentives or bonuses (where applicable), and equity participation. - Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents with generous employer premium contributions, retirement savings with company matching, paid parental leave, and inclusive family-building benefits. - Work-Life Balance: Fully remote, Flexible paid time off, company-wide seasonal breaks, and support for flexible work arrangements that enable sustainable performance. - Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth through on-the-job development, cross-functional collaboration, and access to internal learning and development programs. ## SANDBOXAQ WELCOMES ALL We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges. Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know. Read: Guidance for candidates on using AI Tools in interviews https://www.sandboxaq.com/ai-in-interviews ## About SandboxAQ ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: SandboxAQ develops Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) that combine AI and quantum techniques to solve real-world challenges in drug discovery, materials, navigation, cybersecurity, and other high-impact sectors. - **Entity Type**: Private (Late Stage; raised $1.6B total, including Series E, venture rounds, and grants) - **Headquarters**: Palo Alto, California, United States - **Founded**: 2021 (spun out from Alphabet in 2022) - **Founders**: Jack Hidary (CEO); Eric Schmidt serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors ## Core Business - **Primary Industries**: AI/Quantum software, life sciences (drug discovery), cybersecurity, financial services, navigation/defense, materials science - **Target Customers**: B2B, serving large enterprises and government organizations in pharma, energy, defense, finance, and logistics - **Mission**: Revolutionize industries with groundbreaking solutions at the intersection of AI and quantum technology ## Products & Services - **AQBioSim**: AI simulation platform for accelerating molecular design and reducing failure rates in drug discovery (SaaS) - **LQMs for Cybersecurity**: Cryptography management and quantum-safe security solutions (e.g., post-quantum cryptography, key management) - **AI Navigation & Sensing**: Precise positioning and navigation systems resistant to jamming/spoofing, leveraging AI and quantum sensors (SaaS + hardware integration) - **Materials & Chemistry Modeling**: LQMs that predict atomic-level properties to unlock new compounds for chemicals and materials (SaaS) - **Financial Services LQMs**: Models for risk analysis, portfolio optimization, and fraud detection (SaaS) ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed; total funding reached $1.6 billion - **Key Metric**: Total Funding: $1.6B (13 rounds); Annual Revenue (estimated): $9M (via disclosed financial data) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: T. Rowe Price, Eric Schmidt, Breyer Capital, Guggenheim Partners, Marc Benioff, Thomas Tull, Paladin Capital Group, Nvidia (backed via grant/award) - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount: ~296 employees (+10.6% YoY) - Operating in 16 countries (US, Canada, UK, France, Spain, Switzerland, etc.) - Acquired Good Chemistry (Jan 2024) and Cryptosense (Sep 2022) to expand capabilities - Recent funding: $95M venture round (July 2025), additional private equity round (Feb 2026) - US government awarded $500M (Nvidia-backed) for finding new outcomes (likely defense/pharma contract) - Recognized with multiple industry awards (Fierce Innovator in Life Sciences 2025, Wash100 Award, etc.) ## Competitive Advantages - **Quantitative AI (LQMs)**: Models that understand the physical world (molecules, materials, navigation) – distinct from purely data-driven LLMs - **Alphabet Spinout Heritage**: Foundational technology and talent from Google’s parent company - **Multidisciplinary Team**: Physicists, chemists, cryptographers, AI researchers – rare combination - **Strong Government & Enterprise Ties**: Direct contracts with US defense and pharma, plus deep investor network - **Integrated Portfolio**: One platform covering simulation, cybersecurity, and sensing – creating cross-selling opportunities ## Strategic Focus - **Scale LQM Applications**: Expand from drug discovery into climate, energy, and defense - **Deepen Government Partnerships**: Capitalize on $500M US award and develop mission-critical navigation/security systems - **Build Ecosystem**: Open APIs and partnerships with cloud providers (AWS, Azure, Databricks) to embed LQMs into existing workflows - **Talent Acquisition**: Aggressively hiring ML engineers, computational chemists, and research scientists to maintain technical lead ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Emphasizes inclusion, service leadership, and fearlessness. Described as “the most humble player in the AQ industry” with a growth mindset. - **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Flexible work environment; home office stipend and connectivity stipend provided; regular offsites for collaboration. - **Benefits**: Best-in-class medical, dental, vision; 100% paid maternity/paternity leave; 401k with company match; wellness stipend; learning & development programs; flexible time off including winter break and volunteering days. - **Engineering Culture**: Hands-on work at the frontier of AI and quantum; cross-disciplinary teams (physics, chemistry, neuroscience, cryptography); opportunity to publish research and attend conferences. - **Growth Opportunities**: Residency program for early-career scientists; stock options; clear career progression in a fast-growing late-stage startup. ## Sources 1. [sandboxaq.com](https://www.sandboxaq.com/) 2. [sandboxaq.com/company/about-us](https://www.sandboxaq.com/company/about-us) 3. [sandboxaq.com/careers](https://www.sandboxaq.com/careers) 4. [linkedin.com/company/sandboxaq](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandboxaq) 5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/sandboxaq](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/sandboxaq) ## Other roles at SandboxAQ - [Quantum Resident](https://feeny.ai/job/quantum-resident-sandboxaq-united-states-pqsjy7jbnda3) — United States - [Marketing Events Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/marketing-events-manager-sandboxaq-united-states-197wh1zsa2xg) — United States - [Senior Counsel, IP](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-counsel-ip-sandboxaq-united-states-02j7vcxfmj93) — United States - [Director of Product Management, Financial Risk Modeling](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-product-management-financial-risk-modeling-sandboxaq-united-states-0w42gvhd7197) — United States - [Background Investigator / Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/background-investigator-analyst-sandboxaq-united-states-0me27er3nsz3) — United States - [Senior Director of Product Management, Chemical Simulation](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-of-product-management-chemical-simulation-sandboxaq-united-mvs90vtqap3c) — United States - [Senior Platform Engineer, Medical Devices](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-platform-engineer-medical-devices-sandboxaq-palo-alto-4mdxcwkyv6q2) — Palo Alto, CA - [Research Scientist, Homogeneous Catalyst Simulation](https://feeny.ai/job/research-scientist-homogeneous-catalyst-simulation-sandboxaq-united-states-kwe66bp6p65j) — United States - [Senior Staff Software Engineer, Platform](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-staff-software-engineer-platform-sandboxaq-united-states-5eg4n32h6d41) — United States - [Staff Software Engineer, Platform](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-software-engineer-platform-sandboxaq-united-states-w8w2v6gzsp2z) — United States