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Forward Deployed Engineer
Job Description
Istari's software doesn't just get handed off, it gets deployed into some of the most complex engineering environments in aerospace and defense. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll be embedded directly inside our customer organizations, operating as part of their team while remaining tightly connected to Istari's product and engineering core.
This is not a support role. You are a builder. You'll write real code, architect integrations, and solve hard problems that emerge at the intersection of digital engineering workflows and mission-critical operations. The challenges you'll tackle require the instincts of a strong software engineer and the adaptability of someone who thrives in unstructured environments. Challenges like connecting CAD, CFD, FEM pipelines to Istari's platform; unlocking cross-discipline and cross-clearance collaboration; enabling organizations to actually use the tools in which they've invested.
You'll work alongside Istari Program Managers who are embedded in the same customer environments. They carry the program context and stakeholder relationships while you own the technical execution. Together, you operate as a unit capable of handling almost anything a customer throws at you. The best Forward Deployed Engineers make our product smarter, not just our customers happier.
What You'll Do
Onsite Technical Delivery
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Embed with customer engineering teams to understand their workflows, data environments, and technical constraints
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Architect and build software solutions that integrate Istari's platform into existing digital engineering ecosystems (CAD, CFD, FEM, simulation pipelines, and related toolchains)
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Serve as the primary technical interface for the customer – not just answering questions, but proactively identifying where our software can drive more value
Software Development
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Develop, test, and maintain integrations and workflow solutions following modern software engineering practices
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Write clean, maintainable code that can be productized or reused across customer deployments
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Contribute to internal tooling and documentation that scales your knowledge across the team
Feedback Loop to Product
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Translate field experience into actionable product insights — you are one of Istari's clearest signals on what customers actually need
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Participate in internal engineering reviews, architecture discussions, and roadmap planning
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Help develop proposals and technical approaches for new customer opportunities
Required
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Strong software engineering fundamentals — you write production-quality code and can defend your architectural decisions
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Hands-on experience with digital engineering toolchains: CAD, CFD, FEM, or related simulation and modeling environments
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Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments without a lot of hand-holding
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Ability to work on-site with customers in a U.S. defense or aerospace context (clearance eligibility required; active clearance a strong plus)
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U.S. citizenship required
Preferred
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Experience integrating engineering software into larger data or workflow platforms
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Background in aerospace, defense, or other systems-engineering-heavy industries
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Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or digital thread / digital twin concepts
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Exposure to or direct experience with advanced CAD, CFD, or FEM tools
The engineers who do this job well become some of the most technically well-rounded people in the industry. You'll see how large, complex organizations actually work — not just the happy path. You'll build things that get used immediately. And because you're reporting into Istari's Customer Success org (not a sales or account team), your career trajectory stays technical. You'll also have the Istari team behind you: regular syncs, access to internal engineering resources, and a clear path to influence the product you're deploying.
Meet Your Recruiter
Chris Wanitshka
CEO
Meet our CEO, Chris Wanitshka. Hard work and dedication have always been driving forces for Chris. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in sociology from Stetson University. Leveraging his ability to create strategic partnerships and with over a decade of experience, Wanitshka revived two staffing companies, delivering multimillion-dollar growth and building a large book of business as a Business Development Executive. In 2020, he launched X-Force, specializing in executive and high-impact candidates for simulation, aviation, gaming, and high-tech companies.
Outside work, he has a very active lifestyle as an avid snowboarder, mountain bike enthusiast, scuba diver, Muay Thai Martial Artist/former competitive kickboxer, and muscle car aficionado.
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