Forward Deployed Engineer

Code Metal is redefining code translation for mission-critical industries, helping defense 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 also support automotive, aerospace, 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 Role

Code 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.

Requirements

• Own end-to-end deployment of customer solutions. From initial problem framing through production implementation, you are accountable for delivering working systems on target hardware.

• Work directly with customer engineers and stakeholders. Understand algorithmic requirements, system constraints, and success criteria, and translate them into actionable technical solutions.

• Translate 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 platform.

• Optimize performance under real-world constraints. Profile, debug, and tune systems for latency, throughput, memory, and power across heterogeneous compute environments.

• Debug across the full stack. Identify and resolve issues spanning algorithms, software, hardware, and toolchains in complex deployment environments.

• Collaborate cross-functionally. Partner with product and engineering teams to improve the platform based on field learnings and unblock customer deployments.

• Operate with a “whatever it takes” mindset. Navigate ambiguity, unblock critical issues, and do what is required to move deployments forward in high-stakes environments.

• Build reusable patterns and playbooks. Capture learnings from deployments to improve repeatability and scale across customers.

• Support on-site deployments. Travel as needed (30-75% depending on the customer) to integrate, test, and validate systems in real-world environments.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or applied algorithm development

• Strong programming ability in at least one of: Python, C++, CUDA, Matlab, VHDL, Verilog, or Rust

• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: GPU programming, FPGA development, embedded systems, or edge compute environments

• Experience working with compute-intensive workloads (DSP, RF, communications, computer vision, etc.)

• Demonstrated ability to optimize and deploy software on specialized or constrained hardware

• Ability to debug complex systems across software and hardware boundaries

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

• Comfort working directly with customers and communicating technical concepts clearly

• Willingness to travel to customer sites (30-75%)

• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or Top-Secret)

• Pay depends on experience, but we strive to be at the upper end of the salary range

• Health care plan with 100% premium coverage, including medical, dental, and vision

• 401k with 5% matching

• Paid Time Off (uncapped vacation, plus sick and public holidays)

• Flexible hybrid or remote work arrangement

• Relocation assistance for qualifying employees

We are an equal opportunity employer. US Citizenship may be required for certain project assignments involving security clearance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.