Software Engineer, Backend Developer, Python

Our client is an early-stage, venture-backed AI company in the defense space and they are looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer to work directly with customers deploying AI-powered software into real-world mission environments.

This is a highly technical, customer-facing role where you'll bridge engineering and implementation—working alongside end users to understand operational challenges, configure solutions, build integrations, and ensure successful deployments. You'll have significant ownership and play a key role in shaping both the product and customer experience.

• Deploy and customize AI software for government and defense customers.
• Partner directly with users to understand workflows and translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Build integrations with customer systems, APIs, and data sources.
• Develop Python-based tools, automation, and deployment utilities.
• Troubleshoot production issues and optimize system performance.
• Work closely with product and engineering teams to influence roadmap based on customer feedback.
• Travel occasionally to customer sites as needed.

• 3+ years of software engineering or solutions engineering experience.
• Experience working with APIs, data pipelines, or backend services.
• Comfortable working directly with technical and non-technical customers.
• Ability to operate independently in fast-paced startup environments.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is a plus.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications, LLMs, or data engineering is a plus.
• Previous experience supporting government, defense, or national security customers is preferred.

• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or infrastructure automation.
• Knowledge of SQL, PostgreSQL, or other databases.
• Experience with REST APIs, FastAPI, or modern Python frameworks.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

• Work on mission-critical AI technology with real-world impact.
• Early-stage startup with significant ownership and influence.
• Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced founders and engineers building cutting-edge AI solutions for national security.