Forward Deployed Engineer

Picogrid

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

Qualifications

  • 3+ years in a technical role combining Software Engineering with customer-facing tasks, focusing on Full-stack Development.
  • Experience engaging with end-users to gather mission requirements and product feedback.
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities with expertise in distributed systems and data pipelines.
  • Familiarity with complex government software systems, including IdAM and SIEM solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with military customers to design and deliver end-to-end capabilities.
  • Engage in user testing to thoroughly understand customer mission needs.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate feedback into product development.
  • Ensure successful deployment into complex government environments.

Benefits

  • Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company.
  • 401(k) with employer matching.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Unlimited PTO (minimum two weeks) and 11 paid holidays annually.
  • Paid parental leave for both parents.
  • Lunch provided in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette.
  • Free EV charging at headquarter location.
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.

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