Forward Deployed Engineer ($220k-$300k + Equity) at High-growth defense tech AI startup

About the role

You will embed directly with national security and law enforcement customers to develop production-grade code that addresses critical operational challenges. By building custom integrations and mission-specific agent configurations in secure environments, you'll bridge the gap between core engineering and the front lines, ensuring high-stakes software solves real-world intelligence problems rapidly.

Why this role is remarkable

• Directly impact national security by delivering advanced AI capabilities to federal agents and intelligence analysts in the field.
• Backed by top-tier VCs with a leadership team of former operators from elite government agencies and premier defense tech companies.
• High-autonomy environment with significant equity and the ability to own relationships at the highest levels of government command.

What you will do

• Embed on-site with customers to write and deploy production code for tailored workflows and custom system integrations.
• Configure and optimize mission-specific AI agent systems to operate effectively within classified and high-security government environments.
• Act as the primary technical bridge, translating field insights and operational requirements back to the core engineering team.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Forward Deployed Engineer or similar technical role within the defense or national security technology sectors.
• Versatile full-stack engineering background with a working knowledge of AI/ML agent systems and complex data integrations.
• Strong self-direction and willingness to travel, with the ability to obtain or maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Pay

$220k-$300k + Equity

Location

Washington DC, USA