Forward Deployed Engineer — Defense

SkillSource; Maryland; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SkillSource, in partnership with Varron, is placing Forward Deployed Engineers with a fast-scaling AI client supporting Department of War missions.

You are the engineer who ships in the room where the mission happens — embedded with military and defense‑agency users, deploying and adapting AI/ML capabilities inside classified, bandwidth‑constrained, and air‑gapped environments where "just call the API" is not an option.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• 4+ years software/ML engineering experience.
• Strong Python background preferred; Go/C++ a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, integrate, and sustain AI/ML systems on IL5/IL6 and air‑gapped networks.
• Embed with operational users to translate mission problems into working software quickly.
• Own data ingestion, model integration, and on‑site troubleshooting in DoD environments.
• Adapt commercial‑side products to DoW constraints including disconnected operations.
• Provide field feedback to core engineering as the voice of the mission user.

Skills

Active TS/SCI clearance

4+ years software/ML engineering

Python

Linux/CI-CD

Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

SkillSource, in partnership with Varron, is placing Forward Deployed Engineers with a fast-scaling AI client supporting Department of War missions. You are the engineer who ships in the room where the mission happens — embedded with military and defense‑agency users, deploying and adapting AI/ML capabilities inside classified, bandwidth‑constrained, and air‑gapped environments where "just call the API" is not an option.

What You’ll Do

• Deploy, integrate, and sustain AI/ML systems (LLM, computer vision, data pipelines) on IL5/IL6 and air‑gapped networks (SIPR/JWICS‑class environments)
• Embed with operational users — COCOM staffs, program offices, and warfighting units — to translate mission problems into working software, fast
• Own the last mile: data ingestion, model integration, ATO evidence support, containerized deployment (Kubernetes/Docker), and on‑site troubleshooting
• Adapt commercial‑side product to DoW constraints: disconnected operations, cross‑domain workflows, and CUI/classified data handling
• Feed field lessons back to core engineering as the voice of the mission user

You Have

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• 4+ years software/ML engineering (Python strongly preferred; Go/C++ a plus)
• Hands‑on deployment experience in DoD/DoW classified or disconnected environments
• Comfort with Linux, containers, CI/CD, and infrastructure‑as‑code
• The temperament to operate solo forward: high agency, high judgment, low ego

Strong Signals

• Familiarity with Platform One, Iron Bank, ATO/RMF processes, or DDS/CDAO ecosystems
• Experience fielding CV/ISR analytics (Maven‑adjacent work) or LLM tools to operational users

Logistics

• Full‑time placement with client
• Competitive salary + equity (client‑dependent)
• Travel required to U.S. government and military customer locations; potential OCONUS travel depending on mission requirements.