Forward Deployed Software Engineer, U.S. Department of War

About Rivet


Rivet is an American company building integrated task systems - fusing hardened hardware with software, sensors, AI, and networking - for industrial workforces and defense personnel. We create capabilities that multiply the effectiveness of every individual and withstand the world's toughest environments.


We serve the people who build, operate, maintain, and defend our way of life. From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work, ingenuity, and meritocratic values that drive Western prosperity. Yet too often they are forced to rely on outdated tools that fail under modern pressures. Rivet exists to reset that priority.


At Rivet, you'll join a mission-driven team that fuses disciplines to deliver decisive outcomes where they matter most. Whether shaping our technology, strengthening our partnerships, or building our culture, every role here contributes to equipping the front lines with the modern systems they deserve.


EOE

Work Authorization Requirement: Due to the nature of our business and applicable contractual requirements, this position is restricted to U.S. citizens. Candidates must provide documentation verifying U.S. citizenship upon hire.

Role: Forward Deployed Software Engineer, U.S. Department of War

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation*: $110,000 - $190,000/year + benefits

Role Description


The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDSE) at Rivet leads the deployment of mission-critical systems supporting frontline soldiers and operators across the United States Army and broader Department of War. Embedded directly with soldiers, operators, and program stakeholders, the FDSE creates value where tactical hardware, mission software, enterprise systems, and real-world operational constraints meet.


This role operates at the intersection of engineering and mission execution. Delivery conditions are urgent, environments are often austere or bandwidth-constrained, and ambiguity requires rapid, high-judgment decisions.


As an FDSE, you will work directly with Army users to understand operational problems, rapidly prototype and deploy integrated capabilities, and ensure systems perform reliably in training, field exercises, and mission environments. You will help translate emerging technology into durable operational advantage.


Success in this role requires balancing customer-specific mission requirements with long-term platform scalability, reliability, and product vision. At Rivet, you will put advanced operational technology directly into the hands of soldiers executing some of the world's most demanding missions.


Responsibilities

• Deploy and operationalize mission-critical technology directly alongside Army units in training, testing, and operational environments
• Rapidly diagnose and solve complex hardware, software, networking, and integration problems under field conditions and mission timelines
• Partner with soldiers, operators, and Army stakeholders to turn evolving mission requirements into reliable deployed capability
• Drive product direction from the tactical edge by converting operational feedback into scalable platform improvements and new system concepts
• Represent Rivet in high-trust customer environments where technical judgment, execution speed, and mission understanding are critical

Role Requirements

• 3+ years deploying, integrating, or supporting complex hardware/software systems in military, defense, tactical, or other mission-critical operational environments
• Experience with software development, Linux and Android-based systems, networking, embedded systems, systems integration, and DevOps/infrastructure tooling
• Mixed reality development experience is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and solve technical problems quickly in field, operational, or resource-constrained environments
• Experience working directly with operators, soldiers, field users, or mission stakeholders in high-trust customer environments
• Background in startup, advanced technology, defense technology, robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or other fast-moving engineering organizations preferred
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity, rapidly changing priorities, and urgent deployment timelines
• Ability to travel frequently (35%-70%) to customer sites, field exercises, testing events, and operational locations
• U.S. citizenship required due to customer and contract requirements
• Active U.S. Security Clearance preferred; ability to obtain and maintain a clearance required

*Total compensation may vary within this range and is determined by years and level of relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and other factors. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity grants and other forms of compensation. Eligible employees also receive a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO.