Forward Deployed Engineer

Picogrid

• $120K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in a technical role blending software engineering with customer-facing functions, especially full-stack development.
  • Proven engagement with end-users for mission needs assessment and product feedback gathering.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with knowledge in distributed systems and edge software.
  • Experience integrating complex government software systems including data platforms and security management.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate directly with military customers to ensure product meets mission requirements.
  • Design and deliver end-to-end capabilities for real missions based on user feedback.
  • Conduct user testing to refine product functionality and effectiveness.
  • Engage with engineering teams to implement customer needs into the product roadmap.
  • Integrate software solutions with existing government systems and security protocols.

Benefits

  • Significant stock options with potential for high returns as an early-stage company.
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families.
  • Relocation assistance available if required.
  • Unlimited PTO with a minimum requirement of two weeks and 11 paid holidays annually.
  • Paid parental leave for both parents.
  • In-office lunch and fully stocked kitchen amenities.
  • Free electric vehicle charging at the headquarters.
  • Unique office environment with quality snacks and craft beer.
Full Job Description
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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Picogrid

  • Electrical Engineer
    $160K — $180K *
    El Segundo, CA 90245 (Los Angeles County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Field Operations Engineer
    $70K — $120K *
    El Segundo, CA 90245 (Los Angeles County)
    Telecommunications & Hardware
    In-Person
  • Senior Accountant
    $105K — $125K *
    El Segundo, CA 90245 (Los Angeles County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person
  • Site Reliability Engineer
    $170K — $195K *
    El Segundo, CA 90245 (Los Angeles County)
    Enterprise Technology
    In-Person

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Forward Deployed Engineer jobs: