Technical Lead - Distributed Systems

Company: Overland AI
Location: Seattle
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

About Overland AI: Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success. Overland AI has secured funding from prominent defense tech investors, including 8VC and Point 72, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations. Role Summary We are seeking a Technical Lead - Distributed Systems to lead its efforts designing and implementing the data fabric that connects robots with each other and their operators. In this role, you will build the technical backbone of multi-robot interactions and human-machine teaming via command-and-control (C2) interfaces. Your goal is to ensure the reliable and secure storage and distribution of mission data and real-time telemetry, enabling collaborative robot behaviors and the coordination of mission-level off-robot mapping and planning. In this role, you will: Design distributed data solutions that operate seamlessly across both traditional cloud-based server infrastructure and edge network topologies. Leverage autonomy to build systems that reliably bridge Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) networking scenarios. Collaborate with cross-functional robotics engineering teams on development of world models and distributed mapping solutions Champion the adoption of best practices while pragmatically weighing technical tradeoffs and velocity. Mentor and lead teammates in implementing designs according to operational requirements. Work with program and product managers to understand customer requirements and architect flexible solutions. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline and 5 years relevant professional experience; OR 8 years of relevant professional experience. Experience architecting and implementing scalable, distributed and loosely coupled microservices with Python, go, C++ Desired Experience & Qualifications: Proven experience architecting and implementing real-time, low-latency distributed communications for mesh topologies on unreliable networks. Experience with communications protocols (HTTP, Websocket, MQTT, and message brokers), with strong judgement on appropriate technology selection. Deep expertise in conflict resolution algorithms and distributed data consensus protocols Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex reliability and performance issues in distributed systems. Track record of successful deployments to both edge hardware and cloud platforms. Demonstrated leadership experience mentoring and guiding engineering teams. Experience collaborating with API client development teams across multiple platforms (web applications, mobile frameworks, and agent clients) Familiarity with military or tactical communication systems. Security-conscious mindset: experience implementing zero-trust security and compliance best practices with containerized and distributed environments. Experience with video and telemetry streaming with WebRTC or other real-time protocols. Benefits Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. The salary range for this position is $200K to $260K annually Equity compensation Best-in-class healthcare, dental and vision plans. Flexible PTO 401k with company match Parental leave

Keywords: Overland AI, Renton , Technical Lead - Distributed Systems, IT / Software / Systems , Seattle, Washington