Valinor Enterprises, Inc.· startup· Oct 2, 2026 · 25d ago
Raleigh, NC
Location
Hybrid
Work mode
Full-time
Schedule
Senior
Level
$160K–$220K est.
Estimated compensation
2+ years exp
Experience
Job description
Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.
Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Valinor Condor is seeking a Deployment Engineer to embed with customers and integration partners and serve as the link between the field and Condor's R&D team. This is a software-focused role that also touches hardware, product, and drone piloting, built for a generalist who likes range and customer contact. You'll support training, test flights, and live debugging across hardware and software, and turn real operational feedback into shipped features. The role is hybrid with a home base at our Raleigh, North Carolina site and involves upwards of 75% travel, including multi-week on-site deployments.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Deploy on-site with customers and integration partners for multi-week engagements to install, configure, and bring Condor systems into live operations.
- Support operational and test flights end to end, including pre-flight testing, briefings with contingency plans, and debriefs with customer and Condor teams.
- Lead customer training and help operators get confident on the system.
- Debug live issues across hardware, firmware, and software, often on the spot.
- Write, test, and deploy code and configuration fixes in the field, then upstream that work into the core product.
- Serve as the main technical link between the customer and R&D, turning field observations into reproducible bug reports, requirements, and feature specs.
- Work with R&D at the NY and NC base to land fixes and features, and validate them in the field before wide release.
- Write runbooks, knowledge base articles, and training materials so fixes scale beyond a single site.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Bachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, EE, Robotics, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.
- 2 to 6 years of experience in software engineering, robotics, field engineering, or technical support of complex hardware systems.
- Real embedded software experience, with proficiency in C++ and Python, Linux, serial protocols (UART, I2C), and networking.
- Proven track record troubleshooting systems across hardware, firmware, and software.
- Experience building frontend software and flight control logic.
- Ability to fly and debug drones, or to ramp quickly, including obtaining an FAA Part 107 license.
- Clear communication with both engineers and non-technical users, and calm, decisive judgment when a customer's operation is on the line.
- Willingness to travel upwards of 75%, including multi-week customer deployments.
- Based near, or willing to relocate to, our Raleigh, North Carolina site, and hybrid in office when not traveling.
- Forward-deployed or field application engineering experience, flight control, navigation, or autonomy work, startup experience, and a background at a hardware-product company (robotics, drones, automotive) a plus.
WHAT VALINOR OFFERS
- Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.
- Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
- We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
- Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.
Employees will have access to information, materials, and technologies subject to U.S. export controls, i.e., EAR and/or ITAR, and must be U.S. Persons, as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 120.0.0.62, based in the United States.
Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!
Requirements
Must-haves
Deploy on-site with customers and integration partners for multi-week engagements to install, configure, and bring Condor systems into live operations.
Support operational and test flights end to end, including pre-flight testing, briefings with contingency plans, and debriefs with customer and Condor teams.
Lead customer training and help operators get confident on the system.
Debug live issues across hardware, firmware, and software, often on the spot.
Write, test, and deploy code and configuration fixes in the field, then upstream that work into the core product.
Serve as the main technical link between the customer and R&D, turning field observations into reproducible bug reports, requirements, and feature specs.
Work with R&D at the NY and NC base to land fixes and features, and validate them in the field before wide release.
Write runbooks, knowledge base articles, and training materials so fixes scale beyond a single site.
Bachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, EE, Robotics, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience.
2 to 6 years of experience in software engineering, robotics, field engineering, or technical support of complex hardware systems.
Real embedded software experience, with proficiency in C++ and Python, Linux, serial protocols (UART, I2C), and networking.
Proven track record troubleshooting systems across hardware, firmware, and software.
Experience building frontend software and flight control logic.
Ability to fly and debug drones, or to ramp quickly, including obtaining an FAA Part 107 license.
Clear communication with both engineers and non-technical users, and calm, decisive judgment when a customer's operation is on the line.
Willingness to travel upwards of 75%, including multi-week customer deployments.
Based near, or willing to relocate to, our Raleigh, North Carolina site, and hybrid in office when not traveling.
We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.
Nice-to-haves
Forward-deployed or field application engineering experience, flight control, navigation, or autonomy work, startup experience, and a background at a hardware-product company (robotics, drones, automotive) a plus.
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.