Forward Deployed Engineer

Position: Forward-Deployed Security Engineer (AI Infrastructure)Location: San Francisco, CA (50-75% travel to client sites)Compensation: $200,000 - $500,000 base + 1-3% equityClearance: Active U.S. TS/SCI requiredEmployment Type: Full-timeVisa Sponsorship: Not availableAbout the RoleA stealth-mode startup backed by top security leaders and AI pioneers recently closed a $3M seed round to secure the most sensitive infrastructure of the 21st century-AI data centers. The company is deploying security systems to protect the tens of millions of GPUs powering the global economy and collaborating directly with classified government and defense customers.We are seeking a Forward-Deployed Security Engineer to work closely with customers in defense, intelligence, and frontier AI infrastructure environments. This is a rare opportunity to shape critical systems at the heart of global AI deployment.ResponsibilitiesServe as the technical bridge between engineering and customer sites, deploying and integrating security solutions on-siteLead field-based customer discovery, integration, troubleshooting, and iterationTranslate complex customer requirements into actionable engineering feedbackBuild trust and navigate complex technical and bureaucratic environmentsRapidly prototype, test, and ship security features in high-stakes environments Ideal BackgroundExperience:2+ years as a forward-deployed, customer-facing, or solutions engineerBackground in one or more of the following:AI infrastructure (e.g., Nvidia, TSMC, Intel)AI labs (e.g., Anthropic, DeepMind, OpenAI)Agile defense/hardware (e.g., Anduril, SpaceX, Hadrian)National security or intelligence roles (e.g., NSA, CIA, IDF)High-frequency trading or quant (e.g., Jane Street)Deep security firms (e.g., Trail of Bits, CrowdStrike) Technical Skills:Experience with system integration in secure or regulated environmentsFamiliarity with confidential computing, secure enclaves, or TEEsProgramming experience in Rust, C, or low-level systems languagesBackground with FPGAs, Xilinx SoCs, or hardware-secure elementsApplied ML or research experience, ideally with PyTorch or similarSecurity engineering or CTF competition background a plus Bonus Qualifications:PhD from top institutions (e.g., MIT, CMU, Oxford)Medals from IMO, IOI, or national-level technical competitionsSuperforecaster status (Good Judgment Project or similar)Active technical portfolio (GitHub, blog, YouTube channel, etc.) Traits We're Looking ForDeep belief in the transformative power of AGIMission-driven mindset oriented toward national security and AI alignmentStrong interpersonal and communication skills with high EQAbility to operate independently in ambiguous, high-pressure field environmentsObsessive about speed, safety, and security