Forward Deployed Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level Software Engineering role at Picogrid. El Segundo, CA | Fort Bragg, NC · full-time · $120,000–$200,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Work directly with military users to shape software capabilities around the needs of real missions
- Turn user feedback and testing into product changes, coordinating across product, engineering and customer teams
- Deliver end-to-end software capabilities that bring full-stack development to customer missions
What you bring
- At least three years in a technical role that combines software engineering with customer-facing work, focused on full-stack development
- You have worked directly with end users to uncover needs, run useful tests and apply their product feedback
- Strong technical grounding in distributed systems, autonomy platforms, data pipelines and edge software
- You can connect products to complex government systems, including data platforms, identity tools and security monitoring
Who this fits
This mid-level role suits a full-stack engineer who is comfortable working closely with military customers and translating mission needs into delivered software. U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylee status, or eligibility for required State Department authorization is required. A security clearance is preferred, not required.
From the employer
Who we are
Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
About the Role
Picogrid is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to operate at the intersection of product, engineering, and the customer. You will be responsible for working shoulder to shoulder with military customers to design and deliver the end-to-end capabilities for real missions.
Required Qualifications
3+ years of experience in a technical role combining Software Engineering with customer-facing functions (Solutions Engineering, Sales Engineering, or Developer Relations) with a focus on Full-stack Development.
Proven experience engaging directly with end-users to understand mission needs, conduct valuable user testing, and incorporate product feedback.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with strong technical knowledge in distributed systems, autonomy platforms, data pipelines, and edge software.
Demonstrated ability to integrate with complex government software systems, including data platforms, Identity and Access Management (IdAM) providers, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, and Cross Domain Solutions (CDSs).
Preferred Qualifications
Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
Experience in Golang, Python, and/or React development.
Experience with hybrid operating environments (cloud, on-prem, edge) and common Communication APIs (REST, gRPC, GraphQL, MQTT).
Background in DOD RMF, FedRAMP, or NIST 800-53 compliance.
Experience with low-latency FMV/video systems, tactical data standards (CoT, STANAG), and/or common command-and-control platforms (TAK, Maven, Lattice).
Expertise in DDIL environments, Disconnected DevOps (Docker/K3s, mesh networking), and/or multi-sensor fusion.
Demonstrated ability to build or invent (e.g., app, startup) and experience/interest in the defense industry.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: 120,000 - $200,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
401(k) with employer matching
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
Paid parental leave for both parents
Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
Free EV charging at the HQ
Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
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