Forward Deployed Engineer

This is a U.S. based position. All of the programs we support require U.S. citizenship to be eligible for employment. All work must be conducted within the continental U.S. Who we are: Raft ( https://TeamRaft.com ) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans. About the role: We're seeking a talented Forward Deployed Engineer to serve as the technical face of our organization in Huntsville, AL. This role combines deep engineering expertise with strong interpersonal skills to support mission-critical production systems in a forward-deployed environment. You'll be the go-to technical expert for our customers, troubleshooting complex system issues and ensuring operational excellence. What You'll Do: Serve as the primary technical liaison between our engineering teams and forward-deployed customers Troubleshoot and debug production systems at the system level, ensuring maximum uptime and performance Deploy, maintain, and support containerized applications in Kubernetes environments Provide expert-level technical support for CICD pipelines and container orchestration platforms Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues across diverse technology stacks Collaborate with backend engineering teams to implement solutions and improvements Support operational deployments and maintain system reliability in production environments Interface directly with customer stakeholders in secure environments Required Qualifications Strong engineering background with proven experience deploying and supporting production systems Solid understanding of software engineering principles and practices Hands-on experience with Kubernetes debugging and troubleshooting Expertise in CICD tools and methodologies Demonstrated ability in system-level debugging across multiple platforms Broad technical knowledge spanning various technologies and architectures Excellent communication skills with ability to interface effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders Outgoing personality with strong customer-facing capabilities Desired Qualifications Prior experience working in SCIF environments or with cleared customers Previous INDOPACOM experience or familiarity with the region Kubernetes certifications (CKA - Certified Kubernetes Administrator or CKAD - Certified Kubernetes Application Developer) Experience with OpenShift or other Kubernetes distributions Background supporting DoD or federal government customers Familiarity with containerization technologies and cloud-native architectures Clearance Requirements: Active Secret with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance Work Type: Onsite in Huntsville, AL May require up to 25% travel to both CONUS and OCONUS locations (Must possess a valid, active US passport with at least six months validity beyond intended period of employment to facilitate international travel and meet security requirements for government contracts.) Salary Range : $110,000 - $200,000 The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities What we will offer you: Highly competitive salary Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) and company match Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica,