What you\'ll do After six weeks of paid, team-based AI engineering training on real-world projects, you\'ll deploy to our government and enterprise clients ready to have an impact on day one:
- Build and deploy agentic AI applications inside the client\'s cloud environment
- Own delivery of a client-facing capability end to end - from problem framing through deployment and handoff
- Work embedded with client engineers and stakeholders inside their environment, tooling, and constraints
- Translate ambiguous business needs into scoped specifications and defensible architecture
- Apply AI-assisted development tooling to accelerate delivery and build AI-enabled capability where it fits the client mission
- Set patterns other engineers follow: reference implementations, coding standards, review practices
- Brief client stakeholders on progress, tradeoffs, and risk; produce documentation that outlives the engagement
What you need - 2+ years of professional experience as a software developer (full-time employment)
- Proficiency in at least one of: Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript/Node.js. Framework experience (Spring Boot, .NET Core, Django, Express, or similar) is a plus - not a requirement
- Experience building or consuming REST APIs
- Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases (Oracle, Postgres, SQL Server, or similar)
- Bachelor\'s degree in a technical field OR equivalent professional software development experience
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance
- Able to work hybrid on-site in Tysons Corner, VA - or willing to relocate. Candidates regularly relocate for this program, and we\'ll talk you through it
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client-facing work
- W2 employment through SkillStorm; not a C2C opportunity
Nice to have (we\'ll train the rest) - Consulting or client-facing delivery experience
- Agile/Scrum delivery with Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar
- DevOps, CI/CD, cloud platforms, web UI development, or test automation
- Exposure to AI coding tools (Copilot, Claude, Cursor) - AI experience is not required; we train you
Security clearance: your fast lane U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance are required. Already hold an active Secret or Top Secret clearance? You\'re exactly who we\'re looking for - cleared developers and transitioning veterans with software experience move to the front of the line. Don\'t have one yet? If you\'re clearance-eligible, we\'ll guide you through the process.
Compensation Earn between $95,000 and $120,000 your first year , plus full benefits and 401(k). Market data puts experienced Forward Deployed Engineers at $170K+ average base - this program is your fastest on-ramp to that trajectory, with compensation that grows with certifications and deployments.
Where SkillStorm stands out - Paid, enterprise-level AI engineering training and certification - you earn while you learn
- Deployment to Fortune 100 companies and federal agencies
- Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance with 401(k)
- Continuous mentorship and support throughout your deployment
