Head of Forward Deployed Engineering

By myKelly | July 31, 2026

Head of Forward Deployed Engineering

Apply On Motion Recruitment Applied

Job ID: mrp-882686

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Washington, DC, US

Engineering

Direct Hire,

$215000 - $300000

On-site

Other/Non Classified

Washington, DC, US

$215000 - $300000

Direct Hire,

Other/Non Classified

On-site

Engineering

Apply On Motion Recruitment Applied

Job details

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.

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