Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Tactical Edge, Mid-Level

True Talent Solutions Partners; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

True Talent Solutions Partners is seeking an engineer to deliver software on air-gapped, on-premises hardware with a focus on reliable Kubernetes deployments.

The role requires a CS degree, strong Linux administration skills, and experience with containerized apps. Expect travel to customer sites (~25%) and four days a week in a DC-area office, with remote work supported where possible.

Qualifications

• Two to five years of software engineering experience with hands-on integration into hardware environments.
• Active US security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level.
• A computer science degree and strong Linux systems experience, including administration, networking, and on-premises infrastructure.
• Experience deploying and managing containerized applications with Kubernetes.
• Background in defense, systems integration, or related technology environments, plus the ability to work independently with customers.
• Ability to work in the DC metro area, including four days per week in an office, and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end delivery of high-stakes customer projects.
• Deploy and support Kubernetes-based applications on air-gapped systems, edge devices, and other on-premises hardware.
• Troubleshoot Linux, networking, and systems issues, and review monitors and alerts.
• Manage system configuration, container orchestration, load balancing, and software upgrades.
• Discuss technical architecture with technical and non-technical customer teams.
• Travel to customer locations approximately 25% of the time and provide timely operational support.

Skills

Kubernetes

Python

Java

Go

Bash

JavaScript

Linux admin

Networking

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science

Tools

Docker

Job description

About the Role

Join a small, customer-facing engineering team that deploys and supports software in tactical, on-premises environments. You will help deliver dependable systems on compact hardware, including in settings with limited connectivity and constrained resources.

What You'll Do

• Work with minimal supervision to own the end-to-end delivery of high-stakes customer projects.

• Deploy and support Kubernetes-based applications on air-gapped systems, edge devices, and other on-premises hardware.

• Troubleshoot Linux, networking, and systems issues, and review monitors and alerts.

• Manage system configuration, container orchestration, load balancing, and software upgrades.

• Discuss technical architecture with technical and non-technical customer teams.

• Travel to customer locations approximately 25% of the time and provide timely operational support.

What We’re Looking For

• Two to five years of software engineering experience, with hands‑on integration of software into physical hardware environments.

• An active US security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level.

• A computer science degree and strong Linux systems experience, including administration, networking, and on-premises infrastructure.

• Experience deploying and managing containerized applications with Kubernetes.

• Proficiency in one or more of Python, Java, Bash, Go, or JavaScript.

• Background in defense, systems integration, or related technology environments, plus the ability to work independently with customers.

• Ability to work in the DC metro area, including four days per week in an office, and travel as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range is $135,000 to $200,000 USD. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

The listed work arrangement is remote, with Palo Alto, California as the primary location. The role also specifies an expectation of four days per week in an office in the DC metro area.