The Forward Deployed Platform Engineer will deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot software systems for government clients, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Second Front Systems (2F) is seeking an ambitious and visionary Forward Deployed Platform Engineer to join our mission-driven team. We are a dynamic, fast-growing entrepreneurial company at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and national security, committed to delivering transformative solutions that empower our nation’s defenders. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a company that is redefining the way software is delivered and secured in the defense sector.
At 2F, we thrive on innovation and purpose, combining a startup’s agility with a clear mission to support national security. You will be at the forefront of driving the delivery strategy behind the deployment and scaling of our revolutionary Game Warden platform—an industry-leading tool that is accelerating the secure adoption of mission-critical SaaS solutions for the U.S. government. If you’re ready to contribute to a team that values ingenuity, collaboration, and impact, we want to hear from you.
We are seeking a highly skilled Forward Deployed Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex software and infrastructure systems in government or defense environments. This is a high-impact, client-facing role that requires a deep technical understanding and hands-on experience with secure system deployments. The Forward Deployed Engineer will work directly with our clients at their on-site locations as needed, providing technical expertise to address unique challenges and ensuring the smooth operation of critical systems, ensuring smooth operation of critical systems and providing technical expertise to address unique challenges.
Note: This role requires U.S. citizenship due to government contract requirements. Additionally, candidates must reside in one of our approved hiring hubs:
DC/Maryland/Virginia
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC
Denver/Colorado Springs, CO
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
- Lead the deployment and configuration of software solutions in secure, classified environments.
- Work closely with engineering and product teams to integrate complex systems and infrastructure.
- Serve as the main technical point of contact for government clients, ensuring their needs are met while adhering to strict security protocols.
- Provide on-the-ground troubleshooting and immediate support for client systems, including software bugs, hardware issues, and deployment failures.
- Ensure that all deployed systems comply with government security standards and regulatory frameworks, including FedRAMP, NIST, and others.
- Maintain awareness of current security risks and advise clients on mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, DevOps, and security to implement secure and scalable solutions.
- Maintain clear and concise documentation for system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and security compliance activities.
- Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and suggest optimizations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of deployed solutions.
- Be on-site at client locations for system deployments, updates, and troubleshooting. Some travel to remote locations may be required.
Skills You’ll Bring to Our Team
- Proficiency in Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat) server administration.
- Proficiency working with Kubernetes.
- Proficiency working in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, version control, and automation.
- Proficiency with networking concepts, including VPNs, VLANs, and firewalls.
- Experience in task automation with a language (e.g., Go, Rust, Python, Bash).
- Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in systems deployment, engineering, or operations in highly regulated environments (government, defense, etc.).
- Hands-on experience with deploying complex systems in cloud or on-premise environments.
- Strong understanding of security protocols and best practices, including encryption, firewalls, access control, and identity management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a startup environment.
- TS Security Clearance.
- Knowledge of DevSecOps tools and practices.
- Experience with monitoring and alerting systems (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana).
Perks & Benefits
This role is full time. As a public benefit corporation, we’re a team of purpose-driven trailblazers transforming the future of U.S. national security. We hire the best to do their best and, as such, we are committed to providing the perks and benefits you need to be successful—both in- and outside the workplace.
We offer you:
Competitive Salary
100% Healthcare, vision and dental coverage
401(k) + 3% company contribution
Wellness perks (Fitness classes, mental health resources)
Equity incentive plan
Tech + office supplies stipend
Annual professional development stipend
Flexible paid time off + federal holidays off
Parental leave
Work from anywhere
Referral Bonus
Visit our careers page to learn more.
Please note that all official communications will come from @secondfront.com email addresses. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent Second Front and are unsure of their authenticity, please do not provide any personal/financial information and contact us immediately at [email protected].
WHO WE ARE
At Second Front Systems (2F), we equip defense and national security professionals for long-term, continuous competition for access to emerging technologies. Founded by two former U.S. Marines with firsthand experience of the dangers outdated technology poses in combat, our team is dedicated to fast-tracking government access to disruptive, commercially-proven technology for U.S. national security missions.
Our Game Warden product, a fully managed and compliant DevSecOps platform, accelerates the process for accrediting software as a service (SaaS) applications for government use.
Learn how 2F can help you make an impact on national security missions at www.secondfront.com
ONE LAST THING…
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Are you ready to join our team?
To apply, click the “Apply for This Job” button at the top or bottom of this page and complete the application form.
This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
STATE NOTICES
Colorado:
In accordance with Colorado law, applicants may redact their date of birth, dates of attendance, and dates of graduation from any uploaded documents.
Maryland:
UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.
Top Skills
AWS
Azure
Bash
GCP
Go
Kubernetes
Linux
Python
Rust
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Consumer Web • Productivity • Software • App development • Data Privacy
The Workforce Planning Partner is responsible for delivering data-driven workforce solutions, managing headcount processes, and building analytical tools for strategic workforce planning.
Top Skills:
Ai ToolsExcelSQLTableauWorkday
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Information Technology • Sales • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Recruiting and Candidate Experience Coordinator manages interview logistics and enhances candidate experiences for Rapid7's hiring process, supporting the Talent Acquisition team.
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Consumer Web • Productivity • Software • App development • Data Privacy
The Principal Product Marketing Manager will lead go-to-market strategies for the Embedded AI experience, develop messaging, drive customer insights, and work cross-functionally to enhance product adoption and success.
Top Skills:
AIProduct MarketingSaaS
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Boston is a powerhouse for technology innovation thanks to world-class research universities like MIT and Harvard and a robust pipeline of venture capital investment. Host to the first telephone call and one of the first general-purpose computers ever put into use, Boston is now a hub for biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence — though it’s also home to several B2B software giants. So it’s no surprise that the city consistently ranks among the greatest startup ecosystems in the world.
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
