P

Picogrid

Unified defense platform for autonomous systems

Field Operations Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$70k - $120k/yr+ Stock options + 401(k) match + Relocation assistance
Mid
El Segundo, CA, USA
In PersonTravel 50–70% of the time for equipment installations and servicing.
Field ServiceEquipment Field Service

About the job

Requirements
  • No degree is required.
  • Proven experience and proficiency in network equipment configuration.
  • Proficiency in harness assembly and installation.
  • Proficiency in interpreting and applying design specifications, datasheets, and technical drawings.
  • Familiarity with Linux and the command-line interface, including Bash.
  • Proficiency in using modern tools to improve productivity.
  • Strong knowledge of networks, electrical systems, and harnessing systems.
  • Experience with testing tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and data acquisition systems.
  • Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Responsibilities
  • Configure network equipment, flash circuit boards, and configure Linux machines by running Bash scripts in research and development and field settings.
  • Travel 50–70% of the time across the country to perform equipment installations and servicing.
  • Write Python and Bash scripts to automate configuration processes.
  • Collaborate with electrical, embedded, and software engineers during design stages.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed design documentation.
  • Contribute to preparing technical reports and presentations for stakeholders.
  • Support prototype development and perform hands-on testing to validate design performance.
  • Identify improvements that speed up and simplify processes.
  • Develop jigs and stations to increase manufacturing speed and yield.
  • Follow workplace safety guidelines and take low-voltage direct-current safety seriously.
Desired Qualifications
  • Preferred expertise related to network engineering, information technology, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or computer science, or a related field.
  • Four or more years of experience with information technology and electrical or mechanical assembly.
  • Military, aerospace, or intelligence community background.
  • A track record of leadership demonstrated through management, public service, community organizing, or similar experience.

About the company

Picogrid builds a unified platform that connects and remotely controls autonomous defense systems, creating an open ecosystem where sensors, drones, command interfaces, and other defense tech suppliers can work together. Its product enables interoperability by linking fragmented systems into a single management layer, while its flagship sensor platform Lander and other sensors can be manufactured and deployed via secured cloud infrastructure, including AWS GovCloud. The company differentiates itself by offering an open, interoperable ecosystem and end-to-end integration across multiple vendors and platforms, backed by large federal contracts with the U.S. Army and other defense agencies. Picogrid’s goal is to enable scalable, secure, and quickly deployable defense operations by providing a unified platform for autonomous systems and expanding its manufacturing capability to support ongoing operations.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series A

Total Funding

$58.4M

Headquarters

El Segundo, California

Founded

2020

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Picogrid closed a $45 million Series A on May 29, 2026.
  • The February 3, 2026 Air Force award expanded Legion into multi-year operations.
  • The May 29, 2025 El Segundo factory increased manufacturing capacity for deployments.

What critics are saying

  • Defense revenue concentrates on U.S. Army and Air Force procurement cycles.
  • Anduril, Palantir, and Northrop Grumman can bundle competing integration layers by 2027.
  • If the Pentagon standardizes a rival data layer, Picogrid becomes a niche subcontractor.

What makes Picogrid unique

  • Legion integrates sensors, drones, jammers, and C2 tools across vendors.
  • Picogrid spans 100-plus defense systems, including Skydio, Northrop Grumman, and Echodyne.
  • U.S. Army and Air Force awards in 2025-2026 validate operational deployment.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • Paid Vacation
  • Remote Work Options
  • Stock Options
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Home Office Stipend

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

0%
SBIR.gov
Sep 13th, 2026
Awards | SBIR

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Gulf & Main Magazine
May 29th, 2026
Picogrid raises $45M Series A to build open integration layer for modern defence systems

Picogrid, a defence technology company building an open integration layer for military systems, has raised $45 million in a Series A round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Washington Harbour and GSBackers joined the round, alongside existing investors including Initialized Capital and Starburst Ventures. The El Segundo-based company's platform addresses integration bottlenecks in modern defence by connecting disparate military systems. Already deployed globally with US and allied forces, Picogrid's ecosystem now spans over 100 defence systems from vendors including Skydio, Northrop Grumman and Echodyne. The funding will expand Picogrid's product family, extend integration capabilities into new operational domains, and scale deployments with the US military and allied forces. The company aims to become what Bessemer calls "the next integration prime" as autonomous systems proliferate across defence domains.

PR Newswire
Mar 26th, 2024
Defense Startup Picogrid Raises $12M To Connect Defense Systems

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Picogrid , a defense technology startup, announces a $12 million seed round led by Initialized Capital with participation by Starburst Ventures, Credo Ventures, Giant Step Capital, Domino Ventures, and Alumni Ventures. Picogrid builds a unified platform for autonomous systems, creating an open ecosystem of defense technology suppliers. The company's technology helps connect and remotely control sensors, drones, command interfaces, and other notoriously fragmented defense systems.Founders Zane Mountcastle and Martin Slosarik began building defense technology over a decade ago, developing autonomous systems first in their dorm rooms and then as contractors for the U.S. Army.Founders Zane Mountcastle and Martin Slosarik began building defense technology over a decade ago, developing autonomous systems first in their dorm rooms and then as contractors for the U.S. Army. Zane recalls, "It was a gut punch as an engineer trained in modern software

Mayday
Feb 21st, 2022
Mayday partners with Picogrid

Mayday.ai a provider of real-time risk and disaster intelligence from Germany, formed a partnership with Picogrid, a California-based computer perception company solving physical security for large-scale infrastructure.