Forward Deployed Engineer

About Code MetalCode Metal is redefining code translation for mission-critical industries, helping partners move more quickly and reliably from algorithm to silicon. Our platform accelerates deployment of DSP, RF, communications, and embedded signal processing algorithms onto heterogeneous compute targets, including GPUs, FPGAs, ASICs, and edge SoCs. We support automotive, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor partners deploying complex algorithms onto constrained hardware with speed and rigor.We are hiring a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) who will be a critical bridge between our platform and real-world deployments—working directly with customers to translate complex algorithms into production-ready implementations on specialized hardware.The RoleCode Metal operates at the intersection of advanced algorithms and specialized hardware, where successful deployment requires both deep technical execution and close collaboration with customers. We're looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer who can take ownership of delivering real-world outcomes: translating complex signal processing and compute workloads into performant implementations on GPUs, FPGAs, and edge systems.This is not a purely internal engineering role. You will work directly with customer teams—often in high-stakes, mission-critical environments—to understand their constraints, debug complex issues, and ensure successful deployment. You will operate with high autonomy, owning problems end-to-end from initial scoping through production delivery.RequirementsOwn end-to-end deployment of customer solutions. From initial problem framing through production implementation, you are accountable for delivering working systems on target hardwareWork directly with customer engineers and stakeholders. Understand algorithmic requirements, system constraints, and success criteria, and translate them into actionable technical solutionsTranslate algorithms into optimized implementations. Take DSP, RF, communications, or other compute-heavy pipelines and deploy them efficiently onto GPUs, FPGAs, and other accelerators using Code Metal's platformOptimize performance under real-world constraints. Profile, debug, and tune systems for latency, throughput, memory, and power across heterogeneous compute environmentsDebug across the full stack. Identify and resolve issues spanning algorithms, software, hardware, and toolchains in complex deployment environmentsCollaborate cross-functionally. Partner with product and engineering teams to improve the platform based on field learnings and unblock customer deploymentsOperate with a "whatever it takes" mindset. Navigate ambiguity, unblock critical issues, and do what is required to move deployments forward in high-stakes environmentsBuild reusable patterns and playbooks. Capture learnings from deployments to improve repeatability and scale across customersSupport on-site deployments. Travel as needed (30-75% depending on the customer) to integrate, test, and validate systems in real-world environmentsPreferred Qualifications:7+ years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or applied algorithm developmentStrong programming ability in at least one of: Python, C++, CUDA, Matlab, VHDL, Verilog, or RustHands-on experience with one or more of the following: GPU programming, FPGA development, embedded systems, or edge compute environmentsExperience working with compute-intensive workloads (DSP, RF, communications, computer vision, etc.)Demonstrated ability to optimize and deploy software on specialized or constrained hardwareAbility to debug complex systems across software and hardware boundariesStrong problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsComfort working directly with customers and communicating technical concepts clearlyWillingness to travel to customer sites (30-75%)Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearanceBenefitsPay depends on experience, but we strive to be at the upper end of the salary rangeHealth care plan with 100% premium coverage, including medical, dental, and vision401k with 5% matchingPaid Time Off (uncapped vacation, plus sick and public holidays)Flexible hybrid or remote work, with significant travel (30-75%) for deploymentsRelocation assistance for qualifying employees