Forward Deployed Engineer III (6706)

MetroStar•Reston, VA

2d•$187,000 - $225,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Forward Deployed Engineer III serves as chief technologist across software architecture, AI/ML systems, data, and enterprise integration. The role defines technical strategy, reference architectures, and guardrails, and ensures engineering excellence, security-by-design, and interoperability across enclaves. Its technical scope includes legacy code modernization, cloud migration and tool usage, API and AI/ML integrations, independent verification and validation (IV&V), and deployments. Work is conducted in a SAFe Agile environment. The engineer owns the technical baseline, roadmaps, and architecture decisions, and chairs design and change control. They lead AI/ML solution patterns—including MLOps, model lifecycle, evaluation, and risk management—while ensuring enterprise integration. The role also authors and reviews technical artifacts, performance and reliability targets, and compliance controls; mentors senior engineers; drives proofs of concept and technical assessments; and coordinates increment goals with the Release Train Engineer and Program Manager. The position requires onsite work five days per week for the duration of the role. The stated salary range is $187,000–$225,000. The role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses and other incentives. The posting describes health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid time off and holidays; parental leave and dependent care; flexible work arrangements; professional development; and employee assistance and wellness programs.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph security clearance.
10 or more years of experience in technical leadership as a Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, or equivalent.
Deep software architecture and enterprise integration expertise.
Hands-on experience with AI/ML platforms, data pipelines, cloud (AWS/Azure), containerization, and security patterns.
Ability to work onsite five days per week for the duration of the role.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, preferably in computer science, electrical engineering, or data.

Responsibilities

Own the technical baseline, roadmaps, and architecture decisions.
Chair design and change control.
Lead AI/ML solution patterns, including MLOps, model lifecycle, evaluation, and risk management, and ensure enterprise integration.
Author and review technical artifacts, DoDAF-aligned where applicable, performance and reliability targets, and compliance controls.
Mentor senior engineers.
Drive proofs of concept and technical assessments.
Coordinate increment goals with the Release Train Engineer and Program Manager.
Define technical strategy, reference architectures, and guardrails, and assure engineering excellence, security-by-design, and interoperability across enclaves.