Mid-Level Forward Deployed Software Engineer, Tactical Edge

true-talent-solutions-partners; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Travel opportunities

Job summary

true-talent-solutions-partners is seeking a software engineer to join a small, customer-facing team that deploys and supports software in demanding tactical edge environments. You will work across software and hardware systems to help customers operate reliably, including in resource-constrained and air-gapped settings.

The role involves deploying containerized apps on compact on-prem hardware, managing Kubernetes, and owning projects from planning to delivery.

Qualifications

• Two to five years of software engineering experience.
• Active US Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Hands-on experience integrating software with hardware in edge environments.
• Experience deploying containerized apps with Kubernetes.
• Strong Linux systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Understand customer needs and shape system architecture.
• Deploy and operate containerized applications on on-prem hardware and edge devices.
• Manage container orchestration, system configuration, load balancing, upgrades, monitoring and alerts.
• Debug Linux, networking and system issues; provide operational support.
• Own high-stakes projects from planning through delivery in small teams.

Skills

Software engineering

Kubernetes

Linux

Python

Java

Bash

Go

JavaScript

Security clearance

Defense industry

Education

Computer Science degree

Tools

Kubernetes

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

Join a small, customer-facing engineering team deploying and supporting software in demanding tactical edge environments. You will work across software and hardware systems to help customers operate reliably, including in resource-constrained and air-gapped settings.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Work with technical and non-technical customer teams to understand needs and shape system architecture.
• Deploy and operate containerized applications on compact, on-premises hardware and edge devices.
• Manage container orchestration, system configuration, load balancing, upgrades, monitoring, and alerts.
• Debug Linux, networking, and system issues, providing timely operational support to customers.
• Own high-stakes projects from planning through delivery, working independently in small teams.
• Travel to customer sites, with travel requirements ranging from 25% to 75%.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Two to five years of software engineering experience, a computer science degree, and an active US Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Hands-on experience integrating software with physical hardware in military, laboratory, or similar on-premises or edge environments.
• Experience deploying and managing containerized applications with Kubernetes.
• Strong Linux systems experience, including administration, networking, and on-premises infrastructure.
• Proficiency in one or more of Python, Java, Bash, Go, or JavaScript.
• Background in defense contracting, systems integration, or defense technology is relevant.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Base salary is $135,000 to $200,000 annually.

Visa sponsorship is not available.

LOCATION

The role requires in-office work four days per week and customer travel. The primary location is listed as Palo Alto, California, while the role requirements call for being based in or willing to relocate to the DC metro area.