Forward Deployed Embedded Software Engineer

Forward Deployed Embedded Software Engineer Company NestAI is a European AI lab for defence delivering the adaptive operating system for modern battlefield operations. We develop adaptive intelligence for unmanned and command systems: AI that continuously learns from operational data and adapts to changing conditions. NestOS is our open, modular and interoperable platform that enables this at scale and keeps capability evolution under sovereign European control. Founded in 2025 by Peter Sarlin, whose previous company Silo AI became Europe's largest AI acquisition, NestAI brings together over 200 engineers and scientists and partners with leading European defence forces and industry. Role Description We are looking for an experienced Forward Deployed Embedded Engineer to join our team. This is a role for a strong C++ generalist who is comfortable working close to the hardware and thrives in dynamic, customer-facing environments. You will be embedded directly in our customers' development environments, helping shorten the path from development to fielded capability and ensuring our physical AI runs reliably in the field. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will work at the intersection of our technology and our customers' operational reality. This path is dynamic and highly impactful: you will navigate shifting environments, collaborate with external stakeholders, and solve complex engineering challenges where adaptability is key. Day-to-Day Responsibilities: Customer-Facing Engineering: Embedding directly with customer teams to integrate, adapt, and validate our platform against real operational requirements. Practical Optimization: Writing solid, efficient C++ code and making sensible tradeoffs around memory and power constraints as the deployment context demands. AI-Augmented Engineering: Leveraging and championing AI-assisted development tools to accelerate and enhance the coding process. Iterative Problem-Solving: Working in a "try and fail" environment where curiosity leads to breakthroughs. You will collaborate closely with the testing team and customer stakeholders to validate and iterate on platform performance. Hardware Integration: Integrating with sensors and microcontrollers as needed, ensuring the software works reliably with the physical systems it's deployed on. Qualifications Solid experience (minimum of 3 years) in embedded or systems-level software development Strong general proficiency in C++ (Python a plus) and comfort working close to the hardware Ability to work independently in ambiguous, fast-changing environments and adapt to customer needs A strong mindset for AI-assisted programming. You have already adapted AI tools into your daily workflow to increase productivity and code quality. A team player who excels in the iterative cooperation required between development, testing, and customer stakeholders Experience in robotics, autonomous systems, or industrial automation is a plus; strong general engineering judgment and adaptability matter more than deep low-level optimization expertise here Why join NestAI At NestAI, you’ll build meaningful, real-world technology as part of a world-class team of engineers, scientists, and experienced professionals. You’ll work on systems where reliability genuinely matters, contribute to Europe’s security and resilience, and solve problems that demand depth, trust, and craftsmanship. If you want to build with purpose - and with leading experts in the field - you’ve come to the right place. Perks & Benefits We offer a growing set of practical benefits to support your work and wellbeing, day to day: Occupational healthcare (currently provided by Mehiläinen) Epassi Flex benefit (sports, culture, commuting, wellbeing) Lunch benefit (25% tax-free coverage) Regular team lunches and all-hands events Your choice of Mac or PC Holiday allowance (50% of holiday salary) Phone benefit according to company policy (subscription and device) We are continuously developing and expanding our benefits as we grow. Practicalities Employment is subject to applicable security screening (including SUPO, where required). NestAI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants based on their skills, experience, and potential. Department FDE Locations Helsinki, Oulu, Tampere, Turku Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About NestAI Physical AI is moving from theory to reality. The systems being built today will shape how societies protect people, operate critical infrastructure, and respond under pressure for decades to come. At NestAI, close to 200 engineers and scientists work at the intersection of software, hardware, and AI — developing autonomy, sensing, and command capabilities for mission-critical use. This isn’t demo work. It’s real systems, built for real environments. We build in Europe, with open and interoperable architectures, so that critical capabilities can evolve over time without lock-in — and remain accountable to the societies they serve.