Forward Deployed Engineer is the fastest-growing job title in tech — and you don’t need AI experience to claim it. You need to be a solid software developer. SkillStorm takes working developers, pays you through six weeks of intensive AI engineering training, and deploys you to federal and Fortune 100 clients in the DC metro. Earn $95,000–$120,000 your first year — on the fastest on-ramp to the $170K+ that experienced FDEs command.
The short version
- Paid from day one — including all six weeks of AI engineering training and certification
- $95,000–$120,000 first-year salary plus medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k)
- Deploy to Fortune 100 companies and federal agencies — the same clients Deloitte, Accenture, and KPMG are racing to staff
- You bring the software fundamentals; we build the AI engineer. No AI experience required — we train you
- U.S. citizenship required. Already hold a Secret or Top Secret clearance? You’re at the front of the line
Why this role, why now
- FDE job postings grew more than 700% year-over-year, while the pool of qualified candidates grew only a fraction of that. Companies can’t find these engineers — so we build them.
- Experienced Forward Deployed Engineers average $170K+ base salary nationally. This program is the fastest on-ramp to that trajectory.
- Firms like Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG, and the federal government’s largest consulting partners are all racing to staff this role. That’s exactly where SkillStorm deploys.
Who should apply
This role was built for working software developers ready to move into AI. If your title today is Java Developer, Software Engineer, .NET Developer, C# Developer, Python Developer, JavaScript Developer, Node.js Developer, Full Stack Developer, Backend Developer, API Developer, Application Developer, Software Consultant, or Systems Integration Engineer — you already have the foundation. We provide the AI engineering training. You don’t need AI experience to apply; you need to be a solid developer who wants to become the engineer companies can’t find.
What you’ll do
After six weeks of paid, team-based AI engineering training on real-world projects, you’ll deploy to our government and enterprise clients ready to have an impact on day one:
- Build and deploy agentic AI applications inside the client’s cloud environment
- Own delivery of a client-facing capability end to end — from problem framing through deployment and handoff
- Work embedded with client engineers and stakeholders inside their environment, tooling, and constraints
- Translate ambiguous business needs into scoped specifications and defensible architecture
- Apply AI-assisted development tooling to accelerate delivery and build AI-enabled capability where it fits the client mission
- Set patterns other engineers follow: reference implementations, coding standards, review practices
- Brief client stakeholders on progress, tradeoffs, and risk; produce documentation that outlives the engagement
What you need
- 2+ years of professional experience as a software developer (full-time employment)
- Proficiency in at least one of: Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript/Node.js. Framework experience (Spring Boot, .NET Core, Django, Express, or similar) is a plus — not a requirement
- Experience building or consuming REST APIs
- Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases (Oracle, Postgres, SQL Server, or similar)
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field OR equivalent professional software development experience
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance
- Able to work hybrid on-site in Tysons Corner, VA — or willing to relocate. Candidates regularly relocate for this program, and we’ll talk you through it
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client-facing work
- W2 employment through SkillStorm; not a C2C opportunity
Nice to have (we’ll train the rest)
- Consulting or client-facing delivery experience
- Agile/Scrum delivery with Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar
- DevOps, CI/CD, cloud platforms, web UI development, or test automation
- Exposure to AI coding tools (Copilot, Claude, Cursor) — AI experience is not required; we train you
Security clearance: your fast lane
U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance are required. Already hold an active Secret or Top Secret clearance? You’re exactly who we’re looking for — cleared developers and transitioning veterans with software experience move to the front of the line. Don’t have one yet? If you’re clearance-eligible, we’ll guide you through the process.
Compensation
Earn between $95,000 and $120,000 your first year, plus full benefits and 401(k). Market data puts experienced Forward Deployed Engineers at $170K+ average base — this program is your fastest on-ramp to that trajectory, with compensation that grows with certifications and deployments.
Where SkillStorm stands out
- Paid, enterprise-level AI engineering training and certification — you earn while you learn
- Deployment to Fortune 100 companies and federal agencies
- Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance with 401(k)
- Continuous mentorship and support throughout your deployment
About SkillStorm
Founded in 2002, SkillStorm was built on the mission of accelerating careers in high-demand technologies. We build customer-ready technology workforces for top Fortune 100 companies, government, and system integrators within the U.S. Through collaboration with our software partners and customers, we create and advance purpose-built technology experts with the custom tech stacks, clearances, certifications, and location requirements of our clients. As a result, our clients realize their business initiatives faster with Day-One effective technology teams at scale.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EOE, including disability/vets.
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