Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE) to serve as the technical owner for the deployment and operational success of our complex, mission-critical enterprise software systems. This role blends hands-on software development, Kubernetes infrastructure expertise, and direct engagement with key customers. The FDSE will be a high-impact contributor, responsible for technical delivery from initial prototype through stable, production-ready deployments.

• Own the technical delivery across multiple customer deployments, from initial configuration to stable, high-availability production environments.
• Design, develop, and manage Infrastructure-as-Code artifacts, including Helm charts, to standardize and automate software module deployments to Rancher Kubernetes.
• Maintain operational availability for live enterprise applications, conduct performance tuning, and rapidly diagnose complex system, network, and container issues.
• Implement, debug, and optimize robust CI/CD pipelines relevant to containerized applications to automate all deployment phases.
• Design, develop, and implement necessary software customizations, integrations, and extensions, primarily using C#/.NET Core, to meet unique customer requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the core engineering and product teams to integrate crucial customer-specific feedback, field insights, and technical requirements into the main product roadmap.
• Act as the trusted technical point of contact for customers, providing expert guidance on system architecture, deployment strategies, and operational best practices.
• Embed closely with customer teams to understand their needs, guide the adoption of deployed solutions, and conduct technical training and knowledge transfer sessions.

• Proficiency in C# and .NET with at least 5 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with Java development.
• Expertise in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting applications within Kubernetes environments.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, microservices, Docker, and containerization (Docker, Podman).
• Strong understanding of RESTful APIs, networking, and system architecture.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools such as Jira and Confluence.

• Experience with front-end development using React or Angular.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Experience in a customer-facing or professional services role, especially in highly regulated sectors.
• Ability to write clean, efficient, well-documented, and testable code.
• Experience with other scripting and infrastructure languages such as Python, Power Shell, or Bash.

The work location can be based in Littleton, Colorado Springs, or King of Prussia, at the Lockheed site, with occasional travel to El Segundo, California for customer presentations. The role involves working closely with advanced technologies to support the national security space enterprise, promoting a culture of innovation and excellence.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, CO.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision;
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available;
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents);
Short and long-term disability;
Health Spending Account (HSA);
Transportation benefits;
Employee Assistance Program;
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

This is a hybrid position in Aurora, CO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 26, 2026.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccom