Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Forward Deployed Software Engineer

About the Role

Croutch & Associates is partnering with an innovative defense technology company to identify a Forward Deployed Software Engineer who is passionate about building software that directly supports mission-critical operations. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in challenging environments and enjoy solving complex technical problems outside of a traditional office setting. You'll work directly alongside military personnel and government stakeholders, deploying and supporting advanced software and hardware systems in real-world operational environments. If you're looking for a position where your work has immediate impact and where you'll bridge the gap between engineering and end users, this is an exceptional opportunity.

What You'll Do

• Deploy, configure, and support advanced software and hardware systems during military exercises, government testing events, and operational deployments.
• Diagnose and resolve software, hardware, networking, and systems integration issues in field environments, often without internet connectivity or remote assistance.
• Collaborate directly with military operators and government stakeholders to understand operational challenges and translate them into product improvements.
• Develop production-quality software primarily using C, Rust, Java, and Android technologies.
• Serve as the technical representative in customer-facing environments while maintaining a high level of professionalism and technical expertise.
• Work closely with engineering teams to continuously improve product performance based on real-world operational feedback.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with an active Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• 3-5 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Experience supporting software deployments in defense, military, aerospace, robotics, embedded systems, or other operational environments.
• Strong Linux and Android experience.
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including IP addressing and network troubleshooting.
• Experience programming in C, Rust, Java, or similar low-level programming languages.
• Comfortable working in dynamic field environments with frequent travel.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs.
• Embedded systems or edge computing experience.
• Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), or Virtual Reality (VR) experience.
• Robotics, autonomous systems, or tactical communications experience.
• Previous experience supporting government customers or defense contractors.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Work on technology with direct mission impact.
• Partner closely with military operators and engineering teams.
• Solve real-world technical challenges in highly dynamic environments.
• Join an innovative team developing next-generation defense technology.
• Competitive compensation and long-term career growth.