Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Internship - Defense Tech

Palantir Technologies; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 101,556 - 121,644; Full time

Job summary

Palantir Technologies is seeking an FDSE Intern in Washington D.C. to support defense capabilities for critical mission partners. Interns are treated as full-time engineers, with responsibilities including end-to-end project execution and technical problem-solving in teams.

The role requires strong programming skills, collaboration, and offers a unique opportunity to work on high-stakes projects. Applicants should be planning to graduate in 2028 and must be eligible for a US Security clearance.

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to travel 25-50% as needed for client sites.
• Active US Security clearance or eligibility to obtain it before internship.
• Planning to graduate in 2028.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of Palantir Defense capabilities to mission partners.
• Own end-to-end execution of high-stakes projects.
• Engage in discussions about architecture and wrangling data.

Skills

Proficiency with one or more programming languages

Ability to collaborate in teams

Interest in working with large-scale data

Problem-solving with data structures

Education

Engineering background in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields

Job description

Overview

Palantir builds the world’s leading software for data-driven decisions and operations. By bringing the right data to the people who need it, our platforms empower our partners to develop lifesaving drugs, forecast supply chain disruptions, locate missing children, and more.

Forward Deployed Software Engineers (FDSEs) work directly with customers to quickly understand their greatest problems and design and implement solutions to use data against them. Our customers rely on Palantir’s platforms for some of their most critical operations. As an FDSE working in our defense business, you will help defense customers plan and execute operations, understand their personnel and equipment footprint, and communicate in real-time with mission partners and legacy systems. You’ll have the opportunity to gain rare insight into and contribute to some of the world’s most critical challenges.

Responsibilities

As an FDSE Intern, your responsibilities are comparable to those at a small startup, with the resources, stability and mentorship of an established tech company. You’ll work in small teams with minimal supervision and own end-to-end execution of high-stakes projects. Specifically, as an FDSE Defense Tech Intern, you will support work focused on delivering Palantir Defense capabilities to our most critical mission partners. Your day might include discussing architecture with fellow engineers, wrangling massive-scale data, coding a custom web app, speaking with customer contacts, or establishing strategy for your team. FDSE Defense Tech Interns are treated like full-time engineers, with significant freedom and ownership over their work. Interns take responsibility for real-world projects and outcomes that our customers rely on.

What We Value

• Willingness and interest to travel as needed to client sites. Ability to travel 25-50% preferred, but requirements vary by team and location.
• Ability to continuously learn, work independently, and make decisions with minimal direction.
• Ability to collaborate in teams of technical and non-technical individuals, and comfortable working in a constantly evolving environment with dynamic objectives and iteration with users.
• An eagerness to creatively solve technical problems with data structures, storage systems, cloud infrastructure, front-end frameworks, and other technical tools.
• Interest in working with and using large-scale data to solve valuable business problems.

What We Require

• Active US Security clearance, or eligibility and willingness to obtain a US Security clearance prior to start of internship
• Engineering background, preferred in fields such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Software Engineering, Physics, and Data Science.
• Proficiency with one or more programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, TypeScript/JavaScript, or similar.
• Must be planning on graduating in 2028. This should be your final internship before graduating.

To Apply

• An updated resume / CV - please do so in PDF format.
• Thoughtful responses to our application questions.

Offer Timeline and Compensation

Offer Deadline: In an effort to build more transparency into our recruitment process, we share offer deadline expectations. By applying to this position, you commit to confirming your decision within two weeks of receiving your written offer.

Salary: The estimated salary range for this position is $10,000/month. Total compensation will be determined by relevant qualifications, work experience, skills, and other factors. This estimate excludes the value of benefits and potential future value of long-term incentives.

Life at Palantir

We celebrate individuals’ strengths and interests, from your first interview to long-term growth. We invest in our community’s health and well-being and offer opportunities to grow. Palantir values excellence and is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all, including veterans and those with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for the application or hiring process, please reach out and let us know how we can help. Some roles may offer hybrid or remote options; if a role is listed as onsite, you are required to work from an office.

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