Deus X Defense (DXD) reveals what others cannot see. We transform uncertainty into clarity and danger into control. With drones, awareness technology, and unmatched defense expertise, we give organizations foresight and speed to protect what matters most.

Our team of elite military, law enforcement, and technology veterans help customers move from vulnerability to assurance by outpacing threats before they surface. We deliver the confidence that people and assets are protected with intelligence that identifies, confirms, and responds to threats within seconds.

Mission

We exist to protect what matters most: Those people, places, and institutions that make our way of life possible and enable people to go about their life without the tyranny of determined and unchecked evil.

Vision

Our vision is to deliver a future where fear and terror are no longer viable because intelligent systems, governed by human judgement, operating under our legal frameworks stand ready to identify and deter/stop violence before it occurs.

Position Overview

We're seeking a Robotic Hardware & Integration Lead who has lived through the beautiful chaos of startup hardware development. You understand the art of building robust, field-deployable systems with limited budgets, know when to build vs. buy, and can rapidly prototype hardware solutions that bridge the gap between COTS components and custom mission requirements.

Mission-Critical Role Scope

Core Mission: Be the hardware integration mastermind who transforms COTS robotics platforms (Boston Dynamics, Skydio, Unitree) into mission-ready autonomous security systems through rapid prototyping, custom payload development, and field-hardened integration solutions.

The Startup Hardware Reality: You'll be the person who takes a Boston Dynamics Spot robot and turns it into a security guardian with custom sensor payloads, weatherproof housing, and docking systems—all while working with startup budgets and timelines. Some days you'll be hands-on building custom brackets, other days you'll be negotiating with OEMs or troubleshooting integration issues at customer sites.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Hardware Integration & Rapid Prototyping

• Lead the integration of OEM robotics platforms (Boston Dynamics, Skydio, Unitree, Clearpath) with custom payloads, sensors, and security equipment for field deployment.

• Build and test custom mechanical solutions, mounting systems, weatherproof enclosures, and power distribution systems using rapid prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC, laser cutting).

• Develop payload integration solutions for drones and ground robots including cameras, LIDAR, thermal sensors, communication equipment, and threat detection systems.

• Create field-hardened hardware systems that can operate 24x7 in outdoor environments with minimal maintenance requirements.

Technology Scouting & Make/Buy Decisions

• Evaluate and test emerging robotics hardware, sensors, and integration components based on requirements from product and operations teams.

• Make critical build-vs-buy decisions under time and budget constraints—know when to custom fabricate vs. when to adapt COTS solutions.

• Build relationships with key OEM partners (Boston Dynamics, Skydio, DJI, etc.) and manage technical roadmap alignment for our specific security applications.

• Scout and validate new technologies that can give us competitive advantages in autonomous security deployment.

Field Deployment & Customer Integration

• Lead hands-on deployment of integrated hardware systems at customer sites, ensuring systems are operational and field-ready.

• Build deployment playbooks and training materials that enable operations teams to install and maintain systems independently.

• Troubleshoot field issues and implement rapid fixes that keep systems operational while developing permanent solutions.

• Work directly with customers to understand their operational environment and adapt hardware solutions accordingly.

Team Building & Process Development

• Build a lean hardware team combining mechanical engineers, technicians, and contractors who can execute rapid prototyping and field deployment.

• Establish hardware development processes that balance speed with reliability—'minimum viable hardware' that can evolve to production quality.

• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers, fabrication shops, and specialized suppliers to extend team capabilities cost-effectively.

• Create documentation and design standards that enable team members to work independently while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Basic Qualifications

• 6–10 years in hardware engineering with at least 3–5 years in startup or scale-up environments building physical products from concept to field deployment.

• Hands-on integration experience: personally built, tested, and deployed complex hardware systems integrating multiple components and technologies.

• Rapid prototyping mastery: expert with 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, PCB design, and other rapid fabrication methods for quick iteration.

• Field deployment experience: installed and supported hardware systems in real-world environments; understand the difference between lab prototypes and field-ready systems.

• Robotics platform integration: direct experience integrating payloads, sensors, and accessories with commercial robotics platforms (Boston Dynamics, Universal Robots, etc.).

• Drone/UAV systems: experience with drone payload integration, gimbal systems, flight control modification, and BLoS operational requirements.

• Sensor integration: worked with cameras, LIDAR, radar, thermal sensors, and other perception equipment in robotics applications.

• Power systems: understanding of robotics power distribution, battery management, charging systems, and power optimization for autonomous operations.

Additional Qualifications

• Outdoor/Industrial Systems: built hardware that operates reliably in harsh environments—weather, vibration, temperature extremes, dust, and debris.

• Security/Defense Applications: experience with security equipment integration, surveillance systems, or defense hardware requirements.

• Maintenance-Optimized Design: designed systems for field serviceability, modular replacement, and technician-level maintenance.

• Compliance & Standards: knowledge of relevant safety standards, FCC regulations, and industrial equipment certifications.

• Mechanical Design: proficient in CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.) for designing custom mechanical components and assemblies.

• Electrical Integration: understanding of power systems, signal routing, EMI shielding, and electrical integration best practices.

• Fabrication Methods: hands-on experience with machining, welding, 3D printing, and other fabrication techniques for rapid prototyping.

• Testing & Validation: experience with environmental testing, stress testing, and field validation of integrated hardware systems.

• Resource Optimization: builds enterprise-grade capabilities with startup budgets through smart use of COTS components and strategic customization.

• Speed & Iteration: ships working hardware quickly while maintaining ability to iterate based on field performance.

• Problem-Solving Under Pressure: thrives when deployments encounter unexpected issues and rapid solutions are required.

• Customer-Centric Design: designs with the end-user in mind—operators who need reliable, maintainable systems that work in real-world conditions.

• Technical Scrappiness: comfortable with 'good enough' solutions that solve immediate problems while enabling more polished versions later.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Deus X Defense welcomes talented people from all backgrounds. We provide equal opportunity in every stage of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any status protected by law. We hire based on qualifications, merit, and mission impact.