Forward Deployed Engineer

Description

The company is a non-traditional defense technology firm that builds AI, machine learning, and data systems for U.S. military and government agencies, with headquarters in McLean, VA.

Its work covers autonomous data fusion, agentic AI, distributed data systems, large-scale platforms, and complex application development for federal and public-sector clients.

This is a Forward Deployed Engineer role based in Huntsville, AL. You will be the technical contact for customers and the go-to expert for keeping mission-critical production systems running on site with them.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main technical link between the engineering teams and the customers you are deployed with
• Troubleshoot and debug production systems at the system level to keep uptime and performance high
• Deploy, maintain, and support containerized applications running on Kubernetes
• Give expert technical support for CI/CD pipelines and container orchestration platforms
• Diagnose and fix complex problems across many different technology stacks
• Work with backend engineers to build fixes and improvements
• Support operational deployments and keep production systems reliable
• Work directly with customer stakeholders in secure environments

Requirements

• A strong engineering background with a track record of deploying and supporting production systems
• A solid grasp of software engineering principles and practices
• Hands-on experience debugging and troubleshooting Kubernetes
• Deep expertise in CI/CD tools and methods
• Proven skill at system-level debugging across several platforms
• Wide technical knowledge across technologies and architectures
• Clear communication with both technical and non-technical people
• An outgoing personality and strong skills with customers
• An active Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain and keep a Top Secret clearance
• Desired: experience working in SCIF environments or with cleared customers
• Desired: prior INDOPACOM experience or familiarity with the region
• Desired: a Kubernetes certification, such as CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) or CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer)
• Desired: experience with OpenShift or another Kubernetes distribution
• Desired: a background supporting DoD or federal government customers
• Desired: familiarity with containerization technologies and cloud-native architectures

Conditions

Only U.S. citizens are eligible, because the programs supported require U.S. citizenship

All work must be performed within the continental U.S.

This is an onsite role in Huntsville, AL

Travel of up to 25% may be required, to both CONUS and OCONUS locations

You must hold a valid, active U.S. passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the intended employment period, for international travel and government contract security requirements

Pay is based on your overall experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

The company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid time off you can take as needed, plus 11 paid holidays
• Education and training benefits
• Generous referral bonuses