Forward Deployed Engineer

Job Description

The Role

Istari'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.Core Responsibilities:

Onsite Technical Delivery

Embed with customer engineering teams to understand their workflows, data environments, and technical constraints

Architect 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 value

Software Development

Develop, test, and maintain integrations and workflow solutions following modern software engineering practices

Write clean, maintainable code that can be productized or reused across customer deployments

Contribute to internal tooling and documentation that scales your knowledge across the team

Feedback Loop to Product

Translate field experience into actionable product insights — you are one of Istari's clearest signals on what customers actually need

Participate in internal engineering reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning

Help develop proposals and technical approaches for new customer opportunitiesRequired Qualifications:

Required

Strong software engineering fundamentals — you write production-quality code and can defend your architectural decisions

Hands-on experience with digital engineering toolchains: CAD, CFD, FEM, or related simulation and modeling environments

Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments without a lot of hand-holding

Ability 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 required

Preferred

Experience integrating engineering software into larger data or workflow platforms

Background in aerospace, defense, or other systems-engineering-heavy industries

Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital thread / digital twin concepts

Exposure to or direct experience with advanced CAD, CFD, or FEM toolsWhy This Role?

The 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.

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Full-time