Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - AI Applications

Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) AI Applications Development, Cloud Modernization & DevSecOps:

Total Required Experience in Years: 10%2B Years

Mode of Work: Hybrid (3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote)

The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) will work directly with DIR and partner agencies to rapidly design, build, deploy, and iterate modern digital solutions. This role combines hands-on engineering, rapid prototyping, AI-enabled development, cloud-native architecture, DevSecOps automation, and production deployment to accelerate modernization initiatives and reduce dependency on traditional system integrator models.

The FDE will operate at the intersection of software engineering, cloud platforms, security, automation, AI/LLM technologies, and agency mission delivery. The ideal candidate will be platform-agnostic and capable of evaluating technologies based on business needs, security requirements, interoperability, sustainability, operational maturity, and total cost of ownership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality applications, APIs, Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations, and automation solutions using cloud-native architectures.

• Develop rapid prototypes, pilots, proof-of-concepts, and production-ready systems.

• Integrate systems across agencies using secure, scalable, human-in-the-loop workflows.

• Implement DevSecOps automation including CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), container orchestration, and cloud-native deployment strategies.

• Collaborate directly with agency stakeholders to gather requirements and convert business needs into working software solutions.

• Design and deploy AI-enabled development workflows and LLM-assisted capabilities.

• Troubleshoot complex production issues and perform root-cause analysis.

• Mentor agency development teams and reduce vendor dependency through knowledge transfer.

• Produce technical documentation, architecture diagrams, operational runbooks, and security compliance mappings.

• Build AI-powered applications and accelerators that move organizations from experimentation to measurable business impact.

• Evaluate cloud, AI, and application technologies using objective technical and business criteria.

• Support enterprise modernization and digital transformation initiatives.

• Deliver reusable components, developer tooling, design systems, and engineering accelerators.

Required Skills:

• Hands-on Software Engineering

• Cloud-Native Application Development

• API Development & Integration

• TypeScript

• JavaScript

• Python

• C#

• React

• Angular

• Web Components

• Model Context Protocol (MCP)

• REST APIs

• DevSecOps

• GitHub Actions

• Azure DevOps

• CI/CD Pipelines

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Terraform

• ARM Templates

• Bicep

• Containerization

• Kubernetes

• Cloud Security

• NIST Security Framework

• Zero Trust Architecture

• TX-RAMP Compliance

AI / LLM Experience:

• Large Language Models (LLMs)

• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

• Agentic AI Workflows

• Prompt Engineering

• Prompt Management

• Human-in-the-Loop AI Systems

• Responsible AI Controls

• AI Model Evaluation

• AI Governance

• AI Security

• AI Platform Assessment

• AI-Assisted Development

Cloud Platform Experience:

• Microsoft Azure

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

• Multi-Cloud Architectures

Enterprise Platform Experience:

• Salesforce

• Appian

• ServiceNow

• Enterprise Integration Platforms

• Shared Technical Services (TSS/MSI)

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 10%2B years of hands-on modern software engineering experience.

• Strong expertise with modern cloud platforms and cloud-native architectures.

• Strong proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript, Python, or C#.

• Experience with modern UI frameworks including React, Angular, or Web Components.

• Experience integrating APIs, AI platforms, internal services, and enterprise data platforms.

• Experience building and deploying applications using GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or equivalent CI/CD platforms.

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, ARM, Bicep, or similar technologies.

• Experience working directly with customers, stakeholders, and operational teams.

• Demonstrated success delivering systems from design through deployment and production support.

• Strong understanding of security frameworks including NIST, Zero Trust, and TX-RAMP.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Ability to evaluate when low-code solutions are appropriate and when traditional engineering approaches are required.

• Ability to identify high-value modernization opportunities and improve operational workflows.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in State Government or highly regulated environments.

• Experience supporting multi-agency integration initiatives.

• Prior Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) experience.

• Technical Field Engineering experience with software platform organizations.

• Experience designing, evaluating, or implementing AI-enabled workflows using commercial, open-source, or government-approved LLM platforms.

• Experience with modernization programs including TSS/MSI initiatives.

• Experience developing reusable engineering components, design systems, and developer tooling.

• Experience comparing AI/LLM platforms based on:

  • Data Sensitivity

  • Hosting Model

  • Latency

  • Cost

  • Accuracy

  • Explainability

  • Auditability

  • Security Controls

  • Integration Complexity

  • Operational Sustainability

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field

OR

• Equivalent hands-on engineering experience (10%2B years)

Preferred Certifications:

• CISSP

• CCSP

• CISM

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)

• TOGAF

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

• SAFe Agile Certification

• TX-RAMP Auditor Training or Knowledge

• Azure Cloud Certifications

• AWS Cloud Certifications

• Google Cloud Certifications

• HashiCorp Terraform Certifications

• Kubernetes Certifications

• AI/ML Certifications

• DevOps Certifications

Deliverables:

• Production-Ready Applications

• APIs and MCP Integrations

• AI-Powered Solutions

• CI/CD Pipelines

• Infrastructure Templates

• Architecture Diagrams

• Security Compliance Documentation

• Operational Runbooks

• AI Development Accelerators

• Developer Tooling

• Knowledge Transfer Sessions

• Technical Training Materials

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. Citizens Only

• Austin Area Candidates Only (Within 50 Miles)

• Hybrid Schedule 3 Days Onsite Per Week

• Tentative Start Date: 07/13/2026

• Strong AI, Cloud, DevSecOps, and Software Engineering Background Required