As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll own software solutions for national security, engineer scalable programs, and collaborate with diverse teams.
Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.
Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.
About the role
Our Mission teams operate like small startups within the Vannevar umbrella. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will be the field "CTO" for that Mission team and customer relationship. You will work on a cross-functional team directly supporting members of our national security. You’ll own the architecture, development, and deployment of software solutions that support specific customer missions.
Your job includes everything from meeting with customers who serve on the front lines of strategic competition to scoping and implementing software. You will work closely with other engineers, product designers, and former military officers to deliver game changing capabilities into the hands of those who serve our nation.
What you'll do
- Engineer and own the software solutions that are deployed to customers
- Build software that helps users unlock value within our data holdings: large scale text, multimedia, and geospatial datasets spanning over 46 different languages
- Write code to improve products and scale our capabilities to more customers and use cases
- Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to plan, build, and deliver complex software features
- Travel up to 20% of time to meet with mission owners and deliver capabilities
Qualifications
- 5+ years as a Full Stack Developer including familiarity with relational databases (like Postgres), caching technologies (like Redis), object stores (like S3), and front-end frameworks (like React)
- Experience developing and deploying software compliant with DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Experience interfacing with government owned IT systems (for example, data platforms, IdAM providers, SIEM, CDSs, etc)
- Experience working with government IT and program offices to scope technical requirements, architecture, and integrations
- Experience working with end users to scope mission requirements, conduct user testing, and gain product feedback
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Must hold an active U.S. TS Security clearance with SCI Eligibility
What we offer
The salary range for this position is $135,000-$205,000 + equity + 401K match. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.
We’re proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 100% remote first culture. You can work from anywhere in the US and all full time employees have WeWork access
- Unlimited PTO including competitive vacation and holiday schedules
- Lifestyle stipends - Monthly mental health, wellness & fitness stipend, in-home office setup stipend and family planning assistance
- Salary top-up during military reserve duty
- Fully paid parental leave
- Child and pet care reimbursement during travel
Vannevar Labs is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information, or other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information, or other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.
Top Skills
Full Stack Development
Postgres
React
Redis
S3
Similar Jobs at Vannevar Labs
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Software • Defense
As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll own software architecture and deployment for missions, collaborating with teams to build solutions that support national security operations, and maintain customer relationships.
Top Skills:
ApolloAWSElasticsearchFull Stack DevelopmentNode.jsOpensearchReactRedux
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Software • Defense
Lead the design vision and execution for core products, focusing on user-centered solutions and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Top Skills:
B2B SoftwareB2G SoftwareDesign Systems
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Software • Defense
The Senior Fullstack AI Engineer will design and build AI-native applications, collaborate across teams, and engage with customers to deliver impactful solutions.
Top Skills:
AIElasticsearchJavaScriptLlm ToolingPostgresPythonReactRedisS3Typescript
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
