Forward Deployed Engineer, U.S. Government
Listing checked July 9, 2026 · pay as published by Micro1
Overview
Join micro1 as a Forward Deployed Engineer supporting U.S. Government missions. You'll design, build, and deploy advanced AI systems—from prototype to production—working closely with government partners in a hybrid, mission-critical environment. This role blends research, engineering, and on-the-ground deployment to deliver real operational impact.
What You'll Do6
- 1Develop and deploy agentic AI systems that directly support high-impact U.S. Government missions, taking them from proof-of-concept to production.
- 2Design and integrate large language model (LLM) applications, including multi-agent systems, tool-using agents, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows, and human-in-the-loop autonomy.
- 3Collaborate directly with government stakeholders in forward-deployed settings to translate mission requirements into technical solutions.
- 4Build and maintain large-scale data curation and evaluation pipelines to improve model training and performance.
- 5Create infrastructure for model inference, experimentation, evaluation, and deployment across leading AI platforms.
- 6Own the full system lifecycle—from discovery and architecture through implementation, deployment, reliability, security, and iterative improvements.
Requirements7
- 1Strong Python engineering skills with a track record of end-to-end ownership of complex systems.
- 2Hands-on experience with LLMs and building agentic systems (e.g., multi-agent architectures, tool use, RAG).
- 3Proven ability to build or maintain data pipelines and/or ML infrastructure in production environments.
- 4Familiarity with reinforcement learning (RL) workflows or simulation environments is a plus.
- 5Comfortable operating in high-security, high-reliability settings with a focus on mission success.
- 6Active U.S. security clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain one—preferred.
- 7Experience supporting U.S. Government, defense, intelligence, or national security missions is highly valued.
Who Should Apply
This role is ideal for a versatile engineer who thrives in ambiguous, partner-facing environments and can take ownership of complex AI systems from concept to deployment. You’re equally comfortable writing Python, designing LLM architectures, and discussing mission goals with government stakeholders. Prior experience in startups, defense, or government tech is a strong plus, and you’re ready to work in a hybrid setting in Washington, D.C.
Salary Insight
The base salary for this full-time position ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, with eligibility for equity compensation and performance-based bonuses. micro1 also offers comprehensive benefits including up to 100% health-insurance premium reimbursement, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
Pay and demand for Machine Learning & AI roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$80/hour
This role
$40–$60/hr
Most Machine Learning & AI roles pay $55–$105 per hour. This role's pay sits below that range.
Based on 564 similar roles that publish pay · 99 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
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- Listed in last 30 days
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Hiring most right now: micro1 (263) · Mercor (88) · AfterQuery (78)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- python20%
- technical writing10%
- ai evaluation8%
- llm evaluation7%
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Compensation
$40–60/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
In your cover letter, specifically highlight any experience working in high-security or government-related environments—even if it’s tangential—and describe how you’ve navigated ambiguity to deliver technical solutions with real-world impact.
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