Forward Deployed Engineer – U.S. Government

Job overview

Forward Deployed Engineer – U.S. Government is a hybrid, forward-deployed role requiring relocation to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The annual base salary is $150,000–$250,000. The confidential client develops advanced AI systems for U.S. Government, defense, intelligence, and national security missions. The engineer turns operational requirements into secure, scalable, production-ready AI systems and works directly with government stakeholders. The role spans applied AI development, infrastructure, deployment, and ongoing system ownership to support mission-critical operations.

What you'll do

• Design, develop, and deploy agentic AI systems and production applications using LLMs
• build RAG workflows, tool-using agents, and human-in-the-loop systems
• develop and maintain data pipelines and machine-learning infrastructure
• support model inference, experimentation, evaluation, and deployment
• collaborate with government stakeholders to understand requirements and integrate solutions in high-security environments
• own systems through architecture, deployment, monitoring, and optimization.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

forward deployed engineer

washington dc metro

elitebrain

hybrid

$150k–$250k

u.s. government

python

llms

agentic ai

rag

data pipelines

distributed systems

security clearance preferred

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Equity eligibility
• potential performance-based bonuses
• health insurance premium reimbursement up to 100%
• paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• professional development and well-being benefits.

Why this role

Requires advanced Python proficiency, hands-on LLM and agentic AI experience, data-pipeline and distributed-systems experience, and willingness to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area. Active U.S. Government clearance is preferred, not explicitly required at initial application.

About the employer

ELITEBRAIN is hiring for this role. Industry: Computer Systems Design Services. Sector: 54.