Full-Time
Staff/Senior Systems Software Engineer
Posted on 10/31/2025
Saronic
501-1,000 employees
Develops autonomous surface vessels for military
No salary listed
Austin, TX, USA
In Person
 Software Engineering (1) |
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- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
- Senior Engineers: 3+ years of experience in software engineering, preferably in autonomous systems or robotics
- Staff Engineers: 8+ years in software engineering, including architecture, cross-functional leadership, or platform ownership in autonomy, robotics, or embedded systems
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++ or Rust
- Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and software design patterns
- Experience with embedded Linux systems and embedded software development
- Experience with low-level serial protocols (e.g., RS-232, CAN) is a plus
- A strong understanding of networking principles and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP) is a plus
- Familiarity with sensors, control systems, and maritime operations is a plus
- Knowledge of DoD standards and regulations related to software development is advantageous
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Design, develop, and maintain software systems, using NixOS, for autonomous navigation, control, and communication of surface vessels
- Collaborate with hardware engineers to integrate software with vessel systems, ensuring seamless operation
- Implement algorithms for controls and sensor fusion
- Optimize network communications for low bandwidth/high latency environments
- Conduct software testing and validation to ensure reliability and performance in real-world maritime environments
- Participate in code reviews and maintain high coding standards, ensuring scalability and maintainability of software
- Troubleshoot and debug complex software issues, providing timely resolutions
- Document software designs, processes, and test results for compliance and knowledge sharing
- Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in autonomous systems
- Knowledge of DoD standards and regulations related to software development is advantageous
- Familiarity with sensors, control systems, and maritime operations is a plus
- Experience with embedded Linux systems and embedded software development could be considered desirable depending on context
- Proficiency in C/C++ or Rust as a core language is listed as requirement but could be strengthened as desirable if not strictly required
Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) from Saronic Technologies support naval and maritime operations. The vessels use adaptive path planning, passive sensors, edge computing, and resilient multichannel communications to identify, track targets, and coordinate manned and unmanned vessels in contested waters. The ships run onboard algorithms and can be customized and integrated to fit specific missions and CONOPs. The goal is to improve situational awareness, extend operational reach, and increase survivability in maritime engagements.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Series D
Total Funding
$2.6B
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
Founded
2022
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Navy $392M OTA with $197M awarded in July 2025 validates production readiness through mid-2031.
- Mirage and Cipher expand addressable market with 2,000+ and 3,000+ nautical mile ranges respectively.
- Series D $1.75B funding at $9.25B valuation accelerates Port Alpha shipyard for WWII-scale production.
What critics are saying
- Anduril and Leidos compete directly with cheaper autonomous swarm vessels for Navy Replicator contracts.
- Navy budget constraints risk delaying $392M OTA deliveries beyond 2031 completion date.
- DIU prototype OTA expiration September 2025 threatens follow-on Navy contracts if performance gaps emerge.
What makes Saronic unique
- Vertically integrated hardware, software, and autonomy stack developed in-house for seamless integration.
- Modular product line from 6' Spyglass to 180' Marauder enables scalable deployment across missions.
- Open, modular software architecture enables rapid sensor and payload integration without core reengineering.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
Stock Options
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -6%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 0%Saronic Technologies, surface vehicles integrating cutting-edge hardware, software, and artificial intelligence into a single, scalable, fully integrated platform to enhance maritime security and domain awareness. Here you'll find information about their funding, investors and team.
Saronic Technologies has raised $1.75 billion in a Series D round led by Kleiner Perkins, valuing the Austin-based company at $9.25 billion. The autonomous maritime systems startup will use the funding to scale production of autonomous vessels for defence and commercial applications. New investors include Advent International, Bessemer Venture Partners, DFJ Growth and BAM Elevate, alongside existing backers 8VC, Caffeinated Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. Saronic is expanding its shipbuilding facilities in Louisiana and Texas whilst developing Port Alpha, a next-generation shipyard. The company aims to restore US shipbuilding capacity through autonomy-first design and modern manufacturing infrastructure. CEO Dino Mavrookas said Saronic is scaling production at a pace not seen since World War II, producing autonomous vessels to maintain maritime superiority for the US and its allies.
The US Navy has awarded Austin-based Saronic a $392 million production contract for its Corsair autonomous surface vessels, with nearly $200 million allocated immediately. The deal was announced at the Reagan National Defence Forum, where Navy Secretary John Phelan noted the programme moved from prototype to production in under a year. Corsair is a 24-foot modular autonomous vessel capable of carrying 1,000 pounds over 1,000 nautical miles at speeds exceeding 35 knots. It's designed for blue-water operations including surveillance, reconnaissance and potential offensive applications. Last week, Saronic announced a $300 million expansion of its Louisiana shipyard, adding over 300,000 square feet of production space and creating approximately 1,500 jobs. The contract reflects the Navy's push to adopt commercially derived technologies faster.
Saronic has acquired Gulf Craft, a Louisiana-based shipbuilder, to boost its autonomous shipbuilding capabilities. This acquisition provides Saronic with a strategically located shipyard on the Gulf Coast, which will be used as the prototyping and production hub for its medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) fleet. The first project is the 150-foot Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) named Marauder.
Saronic, a US defense startup, secured a $600 million Series C investment, raising its valuation to $4 billion, a fourfold increase. Led by investor Elad Gil, the round included General Catalyst, Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and Caffeinated Capital. Saronic plans to use the funds to build the 'Port Alpha' autonomous ship production facility. The company has developed three 24-foot autonomous vessels and aims to construct larger unmanned ships. Saronic's total funding now stands at $850 million.