Forward Deployed Engineer

Our client is a defense robotics startup building next-generation command-and-control (C2) systems for autonomous platforms operating across air, land, and maritime environments. They are seeking Forward Deployed Engineers with 1–7 years of experience to work directly alongside U.S. military and government customers, ensuring mission success in real-world operational environments.

This is a highly technical, customer-facing engineering role that combines software development, systems integration, and field operations. You'll deploy production software, troubleshoot complex distributed systems under real-world conditions, collaborate directly with military operators, and rapidly develop solutions that have an immediate impact on mission outcomes.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving challenging technical problems, and want to see your code used in the field, this is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of software, robotics, and national security.

What You'll Do

• Deploy, integrate, and support command-and-control (C2) software directly with U.S. military and government customers across domestic and international locations.
• Travel approximately 50–75% to customer sites, including coastal and maritime environments, to support testing, training, and operational deployments.
• Diagnose and resolve software and systems issues in the field, rapidly developing and deploying production-quality fixes when needed.
• Gather feedback and technical requirements directly from end users, translating operational needs into product improvements and new capabilities.
• Work alongside drone operators and mission teams during live operations involving autonomous systems across air, land, and maritime domains.
• Partner closely with the core engineering team, bringing field insights back into the product development process.
• Operate independently in dynamic environments, taking ownership of everything from software development and systems integration to hardware troubleshooting when required.

What We're Looking For

• 1–7 years of experience in software engineering, forward deployed engineering, solutions engineering, or similar customer-facing technical roles.
• Strong full-stack development experience, with proficiency in Golang and React.
• Experience designing and building scalable distributed systems with solid software architecture fundamentals.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, or another technical discipline.

Ideal Background

Senior Candidates (5–7 years):

• Experience leading forward deployed engineering engagements or customer implementations.
• Proven ability to own customer relationships, lead deployments, and mentor junior engineers.

Early-Career Candidates (1–2 years):

• Exceptional technical aptitude demonstrated through top internships, rapid career progression, or experience as an early engineer at a high-growth startup.
• Evidence of outstanding technical achievement, such as competitive programming, hackathons, mathematics competitions, or attendance at a highly selective university.

What Makes You Successful

• High ownership and bias toward action.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-changing environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Strong communication skills with both technical teams and end users.
• Excited to work hands-on with software, hardware, and customers in mission-critical environments.

Pay: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Work Location: Remote