An early-stage defense AI startup building autonomous AI agents for national security and federal mission environments is hiring a Head of Forward Deployed Engineering. You'll lead the team responsible for bringing cutting-edge AI technology into customer environments, partnering closely with users while building scalable solutions using Python, TypeScript, modern AI frameworks, cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, and distributed systems.
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead one of the company's most strategic engineering organizations from the ground up. You'll recruit, mentor, and grow a high-performing team while remaining close to customers solving real-world mission problems. They're looking for someone who has led forward deployed, solutions engineering, or customer-facing engineering teams in fast-moving environments and enjoys operating where technical leadership, product strategy, and customer success intersect. As the company grows, you'll play a major role in shaping both the engineering organization and the future of the product.
Required Skills & Experience- 8+ years of software engineering experience with at least 3+ years in forward-deployed or heavily customer-facing environments
- Experience leading teams
- Strong software development background using Python, Go, TypeScript, or similar languages
- Experience building cloud-native applications on AWS or Kubernetes
- Ability to work directly with customers, understand complex operational problems, and translate them into scalable software solutions
- Experience mentoring, and growing engineering teams
- Strong communication skills with executive-level customers and internal leadership
- Startup or high-growth company experience strongly preferred
Desired Skills & Experience- Experience supporting defense, intelligence, or federal government customers
- Experience with AI/LLMs, agentic AI systems, or machine learning platforms
- Familiarity with distributed systems and modern infrastructure platforms
- Previous experience at companies such as Palantir, Anduril, Scale AI, OpenAI, or similar mission-driven technology organizations
- Having an active security clearance at TS or above
You will receive the following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Vacation & Holidays
- Equity
- Opportunity to build and lead a critical engineering function at a rapidly growing AI startup
Applicants must be currently eligible for a security clearance.