Forward Deployed Full Stack Engineer

The Arena Corporation
Groton, United States of America
2 months ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Working hours
Regular working hours
Languages
English

Job location

Groton, United States of America

Tech stack

API
Apache HTTP Server
Component-Based Software Engineering
Cloud Computing
Relational Databases
Software Debugging
Github
Python
PostgreSQL
Machine Learning
Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT)
Node.js
Next.js
Software Engineering
SQL Databases
Systems Integration
TypeScript
React
Backend
Containerization
Kubernetes
Real Time Data
GraphQL
Front End Software Development
Data Pipelines
Docker
Microservices

Job description

As a Forward Deployed Full Stack Engineer, you will work directly with end users and mission stakeholders in operational environments. This is a highly hands-on role combining software engineering, system integration, and field problem-solving. You will own systems end-to-end and ensure they perform reliably in mission-critical conditions.

You will build and deploy full-stack applications, integrate real-time and batch data pipelines, and deliver solutions that operate effectively in real-world environments.

This is not a traditional software role - you will be expected to operate close to the mission, solve real-world problems quickly, and take full ownership of outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Build and maintain full-stack application components, including user-facing interfaces and backend services
  • Develop responsive, high-performance UIs using modern frameworks (React, Next.js, TypeScript)
  • Implement and integrate real-time data feeds using technologies such as WebGPU
  • Design and optimize data models using PostgreSQL and Apache Iceberg
  • Modify and maintain real-time data pipelines using MQTT and Redpanda
  • Build and support batch/offline data pipelines using Dagster
  • Integrate machine learning models and algorithms into production applications
  • Collaborate directly with customers and mission stakeholders to solve real-world operational challenges
  • Improve local development environments and CI/CD pipelines using modern tooling (e.g., GitHub Actions)
  • Debug, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in live deployment environments

Requirements

  • Strong full-stack engineering experience across frontend and backend systems
  • Expertise in TypeScript and modern frontend development (React, Next.js)
  • Experience building APIs using Node.js, GraphQL, and/or REST
  • Proficiency with SQL and relational databases (PostgreSQL)
  • Hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Working knowledge of Python
  • Experience building and maintaining production-grade systems with a focus on performance and reliability
  • Ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with high ownership

Bonus Points:

  • Experience working with IoT devices, sensors, or edge systems
  • Background in digital signal processing (DSP)
  • Experience with geospatial systems or GIS
  • Familiarity working within monorepos
  • Prior experience in defense, national security, or mission-critical environments

Benefits & conditions

  • Equity participation
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage

About the company

Join a mission-driven defense technology company at the forefront of maritime domain awareness and national security innovation. This team is building next-generation platforms that combine artificial intelligence, advanced sensor systems, and real-time data processing to support critical U.S. defense operations. The organization operates with a flat structure, empowering engineers to work directly with leadership and take full ownership of high-impact systems. You'll collaborate across hardware, software, and mission teams to deliver solutions that are actively deployed in operational environments. This is an opportunity to work on real-world systems that directly impact warfighter capabilities - including AI-powered platforms integrated with sonar data and edge-deployed sensor networks.

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