Forward Deployed Engineer — Defense

The Role

SkillSource, in partnership with Varron, is placing Forward Deployed Engineers with a fast-scaling AI client supporting Department of War missions. You are the engineer who ships in the room where the mission happens — embedded with military and defense-agency users, deploying and adapting AI/ML capabilities inside classified, bandwidth-constrained, and air-gapped environments where "just call the API" is not an option.

What You'll Do

• Deploy, integrate, and sustain AI/ML systems (LLM, computer vision, data pipelines) on IL5/IL6 and air-gapped networks (SIPR/JWICS-class environments)
• Embed with operational users — COCOM staffs, program offices, and warfighting units — to translate mission problems into working software, fast
• Own the last mile: data ingestion, model integration, ATO evidence support, containerized deployment (Kubernetes/Docker), and on-site troubleshooting
• Adapt commercial-side product to DoW constraints: disconnected operations, cross-domain workflows, and CUI/classified data handling
• Feed field lessons back to core engineering as the voice of the mission user

You Have

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• 4+ years software/ML engineering (Python strongly preferred; Go/C++ a plus)
• Hands-on deployment experience in DoD/DoW classified or disconnected environments
• Comfort with Linux, containers, CI/CD, and infrastructure-as-code
• The temperament to operate solo forward: high agency, high judgment, low ego

Strong Signals

• Prior uniformed service or deployed contractor experience
• Familiarity with Platform One, Iron Bank, ATO/RMF processes, or DDS/CDAO ecosystems
• Experience fielding CV/ISR analytics (Maven-adjacent work) or LLM tools to operational users

Logistics

Full-time placement with client · Competitive salary + equity (client-dependent) · Travel required to U.S. government and military customer locations; potential OCONUS travel depending on mission requirements.