Forward Deployed Engineer is one of the fastest-growing roles in tech, and you don't need AI experience to step into it. What you need is a strong foundation as a software developer. SkillStorm hires working developers, pays them through six weeks of intensive AI engineering training, and deploys them to federal and Fortune 100 clients. You'll earn $95,000–$120,000 in your first year on the fastest path to the $170K+ that experienced FDEs earn.
At a glance
- Paid from your first day, 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)
- Deployment to Fortune 100 companies and federal agencies, the same clients Deloitte, Accenture, and KPMG are competing to staff
- You bring the software skills; we turn you into an AI engineer. No prior AI experience required
- U.S. citizenship required. Candidates with an active Secret or Top Secret clearance move to the front of the line
Why this role, and why now
Postings for FDE roles grew more than 700% year over year, while the supply of qualified candidates grew only a fraction of that. Companies can't find these engineers, so we develop them. Experienced Forward Deployed Engineers average $170K+ in base salary nationally, and this program is the quickest route onto that path. Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG, and the federal government's largest consulting partners are all competing to fill this role, and that's exactly where SkillStorm places its engineers.
Who should apply
This role is designed for working software developers who are ready to move into AI. If your current title 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 handle the AI engineering training. You don't need AI experience to apply; you need to be a capable developer who wants to become the engineer companies are struggling to find.
What you'll do
After six weeks of paid, team-based AI engineering training built around real-world projects, you'll deploy to our government and enterprise clients, ready to contribute from day one:
- Build and deploy agentic AI applications within the client's cloud environment
- Own a client-facing capability end to end, from framing the problem through deployment and handoff
- Work embedded alongside client engineers and stakeholders, within their environment, tools, and constraints
- Turn ambiguous business needs into scoped specifications and sound architecture
- Use AI-assisted development tools to speed delivery, and build AI-enabled capabilities where they support the client's mission
- Establish patterns other engineers follow, including reference implementations, coding standards, and review practices
- Brief client stakeholders on progress, tradeoffs, and risk, and produce documentation that lasts beyond the engagement
What you need
- 3+ years of full-time professional experience as a software developer
- Proficiency in at least one of Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript/Node.js. Experience with a framework such as Spring Boot, .NET Core, Django, or Express 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
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret security clearance
- Willingness to relocate
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for client-facing work
- W2 employment through SkillStorm; this is not a C2C opportunity
Nice to have (we'll train the rest)
- Consulting or client-facing delivery experience
- Agile/Scrum delivery using Jira, Azure DevOps, or similar tools
- DevOps, CI/CD, cloud platforms, web UI development, or test automation
- Exposure to AI coding tools such as Copilot, Claude, or Cursor. AI experience is not required; we'll train you
Security clearance: your fast lane
U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a Secret clearance are required. If you already hold an active Secret or Top Secret clearance, you're exactly who we want: cleared developers and transitioning veterans with software experience move to the front of the line. If you don't have a clearance yet but are eligible, we'll guide you through the process.
Compensation
First-year earnings range from $95,000 to $120,000, plus full benefits and 401(k). Market data places experienced Forward Deployed Engineers at an average base of $170K+. This program is your fastest route onto that trajectory, with compensation that grows as you earn certifications and complete deployments.
Why SkillStorm
- Paid, enterprise-grade AI engineering training and certification, so you earn while you learn
- Deployment to Fortune 100 companies and federal agencies
- Health, vision, dental, and life insurance, plus 401(k)
- Ongoing 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.