Forward Deployed Engineer

Forward Deployed EngineerIstari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be embedded directly inside our customer organizations, operating as part of their team while remaining tightly connected to Istari's product and engineering core.This is not a support role. You are a builder. You'll write real code, architect integrations, and solve hard problems that emerge at the intersection of digital engineering workflows and mission-critical operations. The challenges you'll tackle require the instincts of a strong software engineer and the adaptability of someone who thrives in unstructured environments. Challenges like connecting CAD, CFD, FEM pipelines to Istari's platform; unlocking cross-discipline and cross-clearance collaboration; enabling organizations to actually use the tools in which they've invested.You'll work alongside Istari Program Managers who are embedded in the same customer environments. They carry the program context and stakeholder relationships while you own the technical execution. Together, you operate as a unit capable of handling almost anything a customer throws at you. The best Forward Deployed Engineers make our product smarter, not just our customers happier.Onsite Technical DeliveryEmbed with customer engineering teams to understand their workflows, data environments, and technical constraintsArchitect and build software solutions that integrate Istari's platform into existing digital engineering ecosystems (CAD, CFD, FEM, simulation pipelines, and related toolchains)Serve as the primary technical interface for the customer – not just answering questions, but proactively identifying where our software can drive more valueSoftware DevelopmentDevelop, test, and maintain integrations and workflow solutions following modern software engineering practicesWrite clean, maintainable code that can be productized or reused across customer deploymentsContribute to internal tooling and documentation that scales your knowledge across the teamFeedback Loop to ProductTranslate field experience into actionable product insights — you are one of Istari's clearest signals on what customers actually needParticipate in internal engineering reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planningHelp develop proposals and technical approaches for new customer opportunitiesQualificationsRequiredStrong software engineering fundamentals — you write production-quality code and can defend your architectural decisionsHands-on experience with digital engineering toolchains: CAD, CFD, FEM, or related simulation and modeling environmentsComfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments without a lot of hand-holdingAbility to work on-site with customers in a U.S. defense or aerospace context (clearance eligibility required; active clearance a strong plus)U.S. citizenship requiredPreferredExperience integrating engineering software into larger data or workflow platformsBackground in aerospace, defense, or other systems-engineering-heavy industriesExposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital thread / digital twin conceptsExposure to or direct experience with advanced CAD, CFD, or FEM toolsWhy This RoleThe engineers who do this job well become some of the most technically well-rounded people in the industry. You'll see how large, complex organizations actually work — not just the happy path. You'll build things that get used immediately. And because you're reporting into Istari's Customer Success org (not a sales or account team), your career trajectory stays technical. You'll also have the Istari team behind you: regular syncs, access to internal engineering resources, and a clear path to influence the product you're deploying.About Istari DigitalIstari is a digital engineering software company building open, scalable infrastructure for engineering data. Our platform lets customers simply and securely integrate engineering models across disciplines, organizations, and security levels — whether they're designing prototypes, performing virtual testing, or training AI and autonomy for complex systems.Facts are friendly. Even when they are not fun.Fellowship is fundamental. Make others successful.$143,000 - $165,000 a year The anticipated compensation range for this position may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and business needs. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonuses, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.