Forward Deployed Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a hands-on Forward Deployed Engineer to work directly with customers operating critical satellite missions. You'll deploy and adapt our software in real-world environments, solve full-stack technical challenges, and shape product direction based on frontline insights. The ideal candidate will be a versatile engineer who navigates from infrastructure to frontend, solving system-wide challenges and accelerating development with AI, along with holding an Active TS/SCI Clearance.

This position is Hybrid out of Los Angeles, CA.

Responsibilities of the Forward Deployed Engineer:

• Deploy and configure software in mission-critical customer environments.
• Diagnose issues across APIs, cloud infrastructure, databases, and frontend systems.
• Travel to customer sites and embed with ops teams to build trusted technical relationships.
• Rapidly prototype solutions using live data and customer feedback.
• Translate field insights into product roadmap priorities and integrations.
• Collaborate with Product & Engineering to productionize successful prototypes.
• Create playbooks and maintain clear documentation for repeatable deployments.
• This role requires 30-40% travel to various customer sites

Qualifications for the Forward Deployed Engineer:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace, Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years in software engineering, preferably in customer-facing or mission-critical roles
• Proficient in Python; experience with TypeScript, Java is a plus
• Familiarity with AI tools (Cursor, Amp, ChatGPT)
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), databases, Docker, Kubernetes
• AWS, Kubernetes, or other relevant credentials are a plus
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
  • Product-minded with an ability to spot patterns, question requirements, and solve user problems
  • Comfortable in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, being very curious and adaptable

Compensation and Benefits:

• $150,000 - 175,000 *Dependent on experience*
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays.

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