Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion.

Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives. Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people.

Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

About The Role

Our Mission teams operate like small startups within the Vannevar umbrella. As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) supporting software modernization for the Department of War, you will serve as the technical lead for customer engagements focused on modernizing mission-critical software systems. You will work directly with technical stakeholders across government and other defense primes supporting national security missions, owning the architecture, development, deployment, and fielding of agentic solutions tailored to real-world systems engineering challenges.

Requirements

into scalable software, navigating government technical environments, and ensuring capabilities are delivered reliably into production. You will collaborate closely with product, design, platform engineering, and mission teammates to deliver high-impact outcomes, while remaining a hands-on individual contributor. S.

Persons status with at least a current Top Secret US DoD or IC clearance is required. C. Work will require time in secure or classified environments and frequent travel (40-50%).

and deliver technical outcomes. Collaborate with engineers, product teams, and mission experts to design and deliver software solutions that address complex systems engineering challenges. Analyze existing massive software architectures, development workflows, and technical constraints to identify modernization opportunities and guide implementation strategies.

Develop technical recommendations, demonstrations, and modernization plans that help government program offices adopt AI-enabled software engineering capabilities.

into technical solutions. Candidate should have strong technical communication skills and the ability to lead complex technical discussions with both engineers and senior stakeholders. Experience supporting modernization, integration, or sustainment efforts for large-scale software systems.

Proficiency in one or more of TypeScript, Python, Java, C++, or similar programming languages.

What You’Ll Do

Deploy, customize, and extend Vannevar's agentic software modernization platform to accelerate refactoring, architecture modernization, testing, and software delivery for mission-critical defense systems.

What We’Re Looking For

5+ years of professional software engineering experience building and deploying production systems across the DoW or IC.

Forward Deployed Engineer - Software Modernization (TS/SCI Clearance Required)