Forward Deployed Platform Engineer

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 security@secondfront.com.

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.