Forward Deployed AI Engineer

About this role

Defense Unicorns seeks a Forward Deployed AI Engineer to embed with U.S. government customers, architecting and deploying secure AI systems across cloud, on-premises, and air-gapped environments. This customer-facing role combines backend engineering expertise with generative AI capabilities to deliver rapid, mission-critical software solutions for defense applications.

What you'll do

• Partner with strategic government customers from problem discovery through implementation and adoption
• Design, build, and deploy agentic AI systems including APIs, ETL pipelines, RAG systems, and context engineering
• Lead solution delivery by scoping work, setting priorities, managing stakeholder expectations, and removing blockers
• Operate systems in cloud, on-prem, and air-gapped environments using platforms like Kubernetes
• Develop reusable patterns, frameworks, and playbooks to accelerate future deployments
• Serve as technical liaison to customer leadership, communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

What they're looking for

• Backend engineering (Python or TypeScript)
• API and data pipeline design
• Generative AI and LLM fundamentals
• Context engineering for AI systems
• Kubernetes deployment in secure environments
• Information retrieval (vector/keyword search, document processing)
• Cross-functional communication and stakeholder management
• Scope definition and technical trade-off analysis

Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $123,250–$201,250 depending on level
• Remote work with flexible travel to client sites
• Mission-driven work supporting U.S. defense and national security
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI and secure software delivery