Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Senior Forward Deployed Software Engineer

We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE) to serve as the critical technical owner for the deployment and operational success of our complex, mission-critical enterprise software systems. This role demands a unique and strong blend of hands-on software development, expertise in Kubernetes infrastructure, and direct engagement with our key customers. The FDSE will be a high-impact contributor, directly responsible for technical delivery from initial prototype through stable, production-ready deployments. This role is full-time, onsite, and requires up to 25% travel to other customer sites.

Deployment Ownership & Infrastructure Management

• End-to-End Delivery: Own the technical delivery across multiple customer deployments, from initial configuration to stable, high-availability production environments
• Orchestration & Automation: Design, develop, and manage Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) artifacts, including Helm charts, to standardize and automate software module deployments to Rancher Kubernetes and ensure parity across all environments (Dev, Staging, Prod)
• Operational Excellence: Maintain operational availability for live enterprise applications, conducting performance tuning and rapidly diagnosing complex system, network, and container issues within highly regulated or secure customer infrastructures
• CI/CD Pipeline Expertise: Implement, debug, and optimize robust CI/CD pipelines relevant to containerized applications (e.g., GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) to automate all deployment phases

Software Development & Customization

• Code-Level Solutions: Design, develop, and implement necessary software customizations, integrations, and extensions, primarily using C#/.NET Core and Java, to meet unique customer requirements
• Product Feedback Loop: Collaborate closely with the core engineering and product teams to integrate crucial customer-specific feedback, field insights, and technical requirements directly into the main product roadmap
• Code Quality: Contribute directly to the codebase when progress is blocked or clarity is needed, performing code reviews and ensuring adherence to high standards for clean, scalable, and high-performance code

Customer Engagement & Technical Leadership

• Primary Technical Liaison: Act as the trusted technical point of contact for customers, providing expert guidance on system architecture, deployment strategies, and operational best practices
• Enablement & Adoption: Embed closely with customer teams to understand their needs, guide the adoption of deployed solutions, and conduct technical training and knowledge transfer sessions
• Agile Execution: Scope work, sequence delivery, make informed trade-offs between scope, speed, and quality, and proactively remove technical blockers to protect delivery timelines

Qualifications: Required

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field
• 5+ years of professional experience in software development
• Strong Focus: 5+ years with C# and the.NET/.NET Core ecosystem
• 3+ years of hands-on Java development
• 3+ years of hands-on experience deploying, managing, and troubleshooting applications within Kubernetes environments (Rancher / OpenShift experience is a plus)
• Experience in a customer-facing or professional services role, especially in highly regulated sectors (e.g., defense)
• This position requires an active Secret U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Desired

• Experience with other languages useful for scripting and infrastructure (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and managed Kubernetes services
• Experience with front-end development using React or Angular (JavaScript/TypeScript)

EHS/Environmental Requirements

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pre-employment Screenings

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

Since this position can be worked in more than one location, the range shown is the national average for the position.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$82,100-$172,400

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.