Forward Deployed Engineer

AwayTechs; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel 50%+

Field deployment experience

Live mission work

Job summary

A Forward Deployed Engineer is sought to embed with U.S. military and government customers, owning the technical success of C2 systems in live environments. Role blends software development with field operations, including on-site deployment and troubleshooting.

Qualifications include 1–7 years in full-stack or forward-deployed roles, strong Golang and React skills, and a BS in a technical field. Travel will be 50%+ domestically and internationally with potential security clearance

Qualifications

• 1–7 years of experience in full-stack software engineering or forward-deployed roles.
• Strong full-stack proficiency in Golang and React.
• BS in CS, Math, Economics, or related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and integrate C2 software on-site with operators across domestic and international locations (travel 50%+).
• Break-fix troubleshooting and rapid code development in the field.
• Collaborate with drone operators and assist during live missions.

Skills

Golang

React

Full-stack engineering

Field deployment

Mentoring juniors

Education

BS in Computer Science/Math/Economics

Job description

# Forward Deployed EngineerCate NjeriUnited StatesFull-timePosted August 7, 2026## About the RoleJob DescriptionOur client, a defense robotics hardware manufacturing startup, is seeking Forward Deployed Engineerswith 1–7 years of experience to embed directly with U.S. military and government customers and own thetechnical success of the client's C2 systems in live operational environments. This role is equal partssoftware engineer and field operator — writing production code, debugging distributed systems underpressure, and deploying software in high-stakes contexts most engineers never touch.Responsibilities● Deploy and integrate C2 software on-site with military operators across domestic andinternational locations (50–75% travel to coastal/water-adjacent sites)● Break-fix troubleshooting and rapid code development in the field — gather requirements directly from uniformed operators and ship solutions same-day● Work hand-in-hand with drone operators, potentially flying assets in the air, water, or on land during live missions● Feed hard-won field insights back to the core engineering team to improve the product● Operate autonomously in ambiguous, resource-constrained environments — sometimes hooking up hardware, sometimes writing code, sometimes doing technician work## RequirementsMust-Haves● 1–7 years of experience in full-stack software engineering and/or forward-deployed engineeringroles● Senior archetype (5–7 yrs): prior FDE lead or senior forward deployed role; mentor junior FDEs and own customer relationships independently● Junior archetype (1–2 yrs): strong internships, early promo trajectory at a top company, or founding engineer at a YC-backed startup● Strong full-stack engineering experience — proficient in Golang and React● BS in Computer Science, Math, Economics, or a related technical field● Strong system design and architecture ability● High agency, comfortable operating in ambiguous environments● Willing to travel 50%+ domestically and internationally● Eligible to obtain U.S. Secret security clearanceNice-to-Haves● Early high-signal differentiator (e.g., well-known hackathon winner, math olympiad (ICPC,IMO), or top-25 school)