Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Overview Benmore Technologies partners with non-technical founders and SMBs to take software products from idea to MVP and beyond. Our process centers on discovery, clear scope, and deliverable-based development, with AI-native workflows and modern stacks. Role Summary As a Forward-Deployed Engineer, you'll be the technical owner on client engagements from kick-off through MVP delivery. You'll sit at the intersection of product, engineering, and the client: translating vision into scope, shaping system architecture, de-risking unknowns, and shipping working software. You are hands-on full-stack, comfortable in discovery rooms and code reviews alike, and you've taken products from zero-to-one (ideally as a founder or first engineer). Responsibilities Lead technical discovery: turn fuzzy requirements into crisp problem statements, user flows, and a prioritized MVP scope. Own architecture decisions: choose pragmatic stacks, design data models, integration plans, and deployment patterns with scale and cost in mind. Manage development teams: oversee a small group of senior engineers who implement the solutions you design with clients, ensuring delivery matches the intended architecture and technical vision. Ship software: implement critical paths across the stack (frontend, backend, integrations), review PRs, and uphold engineering quality. Interface with clients: run weekly technical checkpoints, present prototypes, handle tradeoffs, and maintain alignment on scope and timelines. De-risk delivery: identify unknowns early, run spikes/POCs, define acceptance criteria, and manage scope boundaries to prevent churn. Document and handoff: produce lightweight but thorough technical docs (architecture notes, API maps, etc) that enable smooth iteration. Must-Have Qualifications Demonstrable excellence building production web/mobile software with modern stacks. Strong full-stack capability (preferably Django, however other stacks may suffice). Comfortable with databases (PostgreSQL preferred) and cloud (DigitalOcean/AWS/Azure) and CI/CD fundamentals. Experience integrating common APIs and services (auth, payments like Stripe, email/SMS, file storage, maps, etc.). Proven zero-to-one execution: shipped an MVP or v1 as a founder, first engineer, or equivalent owner. Excellent client-facing communication: can explain tradeoffs, write clear specs, and run structured technical meetings. Ability to communicate effectively and work well with others in a fast paced environment. Nice-to-Have Mobile (React Native or Flutter). Prior consulting experience. Compensation Base annual salary of $80,000 - $100,000 USD Competitive salary + performance bonus with benefits. High energy office environment in Chicago. Application Requirements Record a Loom introducing yourself, and why we should consider you for this role. Applications submitted without a Loom video introduction (https://loom.com) will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr