Palantir - Forward Deployed Software Engineer - US Government

Palantir Technologies builds leading software platforms for data-driven operations and decision-making. Their technology helps organizations solve critical real-world problems such as developing lifesaving drugs, forecasting supply chain disruptions, detecting fraud, locating missing children, and improving disaster response.

Role Overview

The Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE) works directly with customers to understand complex operational challenges and build end-to-end technical solutions. The role combines software engineering, system design, data integration, and customer collaboration.

FDSEs:

• Analyze customer pain points and transform ambiguous problems into scalable solutions.
• Design and develop applications, integrations, and deployment architectures.
• Work closely with users and stakeholders to continuously improve products through rapid feedback loops.
• Use a combination of Palantir platforms, open-source technologies, and custom-built tools to solve high-impact problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical solution development from concept to deployment.
• Build and maintain scalable applications and data pipelines.
• Integrate large-scale distributed systems and cloud infrastructure.
• Collaborate with technical and non-technical teams.
• Work directly with customers across industries including defense, healthcare, logistics, finance, and public sector operations.
• Adapt solutions based on regulatory environments, operational workflows, and user requirements.
• Travel as needed to support customer engagements.

Technologies Used

• Backend: Java, Groovy, Python
• Frontend: TypeScript, React, Leaflet, D3
• Databases & Distributed Systems: PostgreSQL, Cassandra, Hadoop, Spark
• Cloud Infrastructure: AWS EC2, AWS S3
• Custom applications built on Palantir platforms

Company Principles

• Impact-driven work
• Ownership mentality
• Strong collaboration culture
• High trust and autonomy
• Continuous growth and learning
• Innovation through experimentation

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $135,000 – $200,000/year
• Potential additional compensation: Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Sign-on bonus Long-term incentives

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Flexible PTO policy
• Paid holidays and year-end time off
• Paid parental leave
• Fertility and family support programs
• 401(k) plan
• Commuter benefits

Work Environment

Palantir promotes an in-person collaborative culture with some hybrid flexibility depending on the role and team. Certain roles may allow remote work under exceptional circumstances.

The company emphasizes career growth, autonomy, innovation, and equal opportunity employment.

• Active U.S. Security Clearance at Top Secret level or higher, or willingness to obtain/upgrade clearance.
• Strong engineering background in: Computer Science Mathematics Software Engineering Physics Related technical fields

Technical Skills

• Strong programming experience in one or more of: Python Java C++ TypeScript / JavaScript
• Understanding of: Data structures Distributed storage systems Cloud infrastructure Front-end frameworks Data integration systems

Preferred Experience

• Experience with: Logistics Aviation Sustainment systems Materiel management Readiness analysis

Soft Skills

• Ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Comfortable working in rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to learn independently and adapt quickly.
• Strong ownership mindset and decision-making ability.

Additional Expectations

• Willingness to travel as required.
• Ability to understand how technical decisions impact end users and operational outcomes.