Forward Deployed Engineer (Full Stack) - Clearance Required

Sorry, this job was removed at 06:27 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026
San Diego, CA
In-Office
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Software • Defense
We're on a mission to deliver the best tech to the people that keep us safe.
The Role

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

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will be driving one of the most critical outcomes for our business by doing the complex engineering work required to deploy a complex kubernetes microservice architecture onto classified cloud environments. You’ll be a cross functional expert on software development, DevSecOps, cloud infrastructure, and government accreditation processes. You’ll work closely with fellow Software Engineers, Product Managers, Cybersecurity professionals, and end users to deliver cutting edge capability to the warfighter.
In this role, you are expected to take ownership and do whatever it takes to deliver game changing capabilities. You’ll drive key technical decisions and establish best practices for software development and delivery across teams. You’ll have the chance to build and deliver applications that leverage state of the art tools in Machine Learning and AI, to solve for mission critical workflows.

What you’ll do
  • Develop applications to be hosted on classified networks.
  • Implement DevSecOps practices for software deployment.
  • Implement critical security controls to meet accreditation standards for the Department of Defense.
  • Provide hands on keyboard support to deploy software on classified networks.
  • Implement logging + monitoring solutions for debugging complex software systems.
  • Work with Information Systems Security Mangers (ISSMs), Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) and Authorizing Officials (AOs) to accredit a microservice container architecture for classified cloud.
  • Work with internal developer teams to ensure timely patching of software vulnerabilities and code security best practices.
What you should have
  • 5+ years of full stack software developer or site reliability engineer experience.
  • Experience building with AWS architecture.
  • Experience deploying code to classified infrastructure.
  • Experience with Kubernetes.
  • Located in Hawaii, San Diego or Charleston.
  • Familiarity with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process for obtaining an Authority to Operate (ATO).
  • Minimum TS clearance.
What we value
  • Experience with Typescript, React, and Node.
  • Experience building applications that utilize Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • Familiarity with Trivy, Sonarqube, Nessus scanning, Rancher.
  • TS clearance with SCI Eligibility.
What we offerCompetitive Salary

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $215,000 + equity. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.

Comprehensive Benefits
We’re proud to offer competitive benefits that support our employees. Some key highlights of our benefits package include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Remote friendly with WeWork access
  • Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday calendar, and company-wide off time at the end of each year
  • 401(k) match
  • Lifestyle & wellbeing stipends
  • Salary top-up during military reserve duty
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Child and pet care reimbursement during travel
Vannevar 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.

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The Company
HQ: Arlington, VA
210 Employees
Year Founded: 2019

What We Do

Since our founding in 2019, Vannevar Labs has been building software for the country's most critical national security problems. We believe our military service members and intelligence officers deserve access to the best technology American innovation can offer, and we are building great products for this mission. Our founders have 30 years of combined experience across national security, government sales, CIA, In-Q-Tel and the DoD. We're supported by a number of VCs, including Felicis, DFJ Growth, Point72, Costanoa, and General Catalyst.

Why Work With Us

We pride ourselves on being a team of passionate, low-ego professionals who share a commitment to excellence and a genuine concern for the people and projects we work on. Additionally, we pride ourselves on being a company that truly values its employees and their well being.

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Vannevar Offices

Remote Workspace

Employees work remotely.

We are a fully remote company with satellite offices in New York and Washington DC.

Typical time on-site: None
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HQArlington, VA
New York, NY
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