Forward Deployed Software Engineer Fast-growing software company San Jose, California $150k to $300k USD base a year

Raydar; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Equity

Flexible time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Raydar is seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer to embed with client teams in San Jose, CA, delivering custom software tools that integrate with hardware design and verification environments.

You will own a client from initial scoping to deployment, coordinating with researchers and client sponsors to translate on-site challenges into released features. Travel to client sites is expected.

Qualifications

• University-level engineering or CS degree.
• Background in circuit design or verification in electronics.
• Programming in a hardware-focused firm; HDL fluency.

Responsibilities

• Embed with client engineering teams to scope, build and deliver tools.
• Own a designated client from scoping to deliverable.
• Coordinate with internal researchers, experts and client sponsors.
• Build links between product and client development/test/simulation setups.
• Frequent travel to client sites.

Skills

Python

Verilog/VHDL

Circuit design

Client interaction

AI agent tools

C/C++ basics

Education

University degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Git

Linux

Simulation tools

AI tooling

Job description

# Forward Deployed Software EngineerFast-growing software company* LocationSan Jose, California* TypeFull-time* Posted31 October 2026Apply for this roleThe role, as published## About the companyOur client is a fast-growing software company.## The roleRaydar is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client. Embed with external engineering teams to scope, build and deliver custom software tools for their work, drawing on a hardware design or verification background. The role owns an assigned account from first problem discussion through to a working solution in the client's hands.## What you'll do* Spend time at client facilities, or close by, working inside their design and verification groups to create new tools together.* Take full responsibility for a designated client, from the first scoping conversation to a deliverable they actively use.* **Coordinate with internal research staff**, subject specialists and client sponsors to convert on-site challenges into released features.* **Build software links between** the product and the client's development, test and simulation setups.* Travel frequently to client sites.## What we're looking for* University-level training in an engineering or computer science discipline.* Practical background in circuit design or verification work at an electronics firm.* Programming work done inside a hardware-focused firm.* Fluency in hardware description languages and familiarity with simulation-based checking and fault diagnosis.* Proficiency in Python, plus experience shipping low-level compiled programs that run inside client environments.* Background in making heavy computational or learning-driven software run faster and leaner.* Hands-on experience using AI agent tools in daily engineering work.* Skill in engaging client technical staff and leadership to pin down needs and speak for the employer.## Bonus points* Exposure to formal methods, industry-standard verification frameworks or licensed design software.* Experience customizing AI agents.* Prior field, solutions or applications engineering experience in the hardware industry.* Skill writing automation scripts that streamline engineering workflows.* Know-how provisioning protected client systems and controlled data connections.* Experience in numerical or scientific computing, or with C++ performance modeling.## Benefits* Medical, dental and vision coverage## Location and work model* San Jose, California, United States* On-site, 5 days in-office* Full-time## Compensation, as the posting describes it* **Base salary:** $150K to $300K per year* Equity* Flexible time off* Retirement planPay$150k to $300kUSD base a year