Forward Deployed Engineer

Bigbear.ai; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

BigBear.ai is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to design, build, and deploy mission-driven data solutions for Army modernization. This remote role may require travel to client sites to support mission delivery and stakeholder engagement.

You will operate at the intersection of mission operations, data engineering, and AI-enabled decision support, translating needs into Foundry-based pipelines and ontology while collaborating with SMEs and product leads to deliver impactful solutions.

Qualifications

• Secret clearance is required and must be maintained.
• Bachelor's degree in CS, Engineering, IS, or related field.
• 5+ years in data engineering, analytics engineering, software development, or platform engineering.
• Experience with enterprise data platforms, specifically Palantir Foundry or Vantage.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, with data transformation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote, distributed team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate remotely with Army stakeholders to understand operational workflows and mission challenges.
• Translate mission requirements into scalable Foundry ontologies, pipelines, and applications.
• Ingest and manage data from multiple Army sources within Foundry.
• Design and deliver decision-support tools and analytics using Foundry Workshop.
• Prototype and iterate on solutions with SMEs and product leads.
• Conduct gap analysis between current-state and future-state mission needs.

Skills

Secret clearance

Python

SQL

Data transformation

CI/CD / DevSecOps

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical discipline

Tools

Palantir Foundry/Vantage

Job description

Residency

All applicants must currently reside in the United States

Overview

BigBear.ai is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to design, build, and deploy mission-driven data solutions in support of U.S. Army modernization efforts. This position is remote, with possibility of travel to client sites as required to support mission delivery and stakeholder engagement.

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will operate at the intersection of mission operations, data engineering, and AI-enabled decision support. You will collaborate directly with Army stakeholders to translate operational needs into scalable Foundry-based solutions that drive real-world impact. As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to work with the latest Foundry platform features as we modernize and enhance the client’s data pipelines and ontology. This is an opportunity to work on complex national security challenges while shaping how advanced data platforms and AI capabilities are delivered to the warfighter.

You will join a high-performing, mission-focused team that values ownership, technical excellence, and measurable outcomes. If you thrive in dynamic environments, enjoy solving complex problems, and want your work to directly support national defense priorities, this role offers both flexibility and meaningful impact.

What you will do

• Collaborate remotely with Army stakeholders to understand operational workflows and mission challenges
• Translate mission requirements into scalable Foundry ontologies, pipelines, and operational applications
• Ingest and manage data from multiple Army systems and data sources within Foundry
• Design and deliver decision-support tools and analytics using Foundry's Workshop, applying UI/UX best practices
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on solutions in partnership with SMEs and product leads
• Conduct gap analysis between current-state capabilities and future-state mission needs

What you need to have

• Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active Secret clearance
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in data engineering, analytics engineering, software development, or platform engineering
• Experience working with enterprise data platforms, specifically Palantir Foundry or Vantage
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and data transformation frameworks
• Experience integrating structured and unstructured data from multiple systems
• Ability to operate independently in a remote, distributed team environment
• Understanding of DevSecOps principles and CI/CD pipelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

What we'd like you to have

• Direct experience deploying solutions within Palantir Foundry
• Experience building operational applications and workflow-based tools
• Experience in agile / SAFe delivery environments

Pay transparency

Please note the targeted compensation range is provided as an estimate, and any actual compensation offer may vary depending on the needs of the company, or an applicant's skillset, competencies, experience, education, certifications, location, or other factors. The estimated range does not include the value of any benefits offered.

About BigBear.ai

BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, supply chain management, and digital identity. Customers and partners rely on Bigbear.ai's predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit https://bigbear.ai/ and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai and X: @BigBearai.

BigBear.ai is an Equal opportunity employer all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.