# Senior Software Engineer, FDE
**Company:** [Ditto](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/ditto)
**Location:** San Diego, CA
**Salary:** $223K-$259K
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Kubernetes, Rke2, K3S, Crdts, Distributed Systems, Edge Computing, SRE, Rust, Go, C++, Ble, Manets, Cross Domain Solutions
**Posted:** 2026-03-30
> Forward Deployed Engineer deploys and optimizes peer-to-peer sync systems in secure, high-stakes edge environments, troubleshoots real-time issues, and relays insights to product teams. Requires TS/SCI clearance, 5+ years engineering experience, and expertise in distributed systems and container orchestration.
## Job Description
## Key Responsibilities
- Implement the Core Aggregation Node: Lead the on-site architecture, deployment, and configuration of our central data hub within a highly secure, distributed network environment.
- Master Edge-to-Core Synchronization: Architect and troubleshoot complex, peer-to-peer data synchronization across edge devices utilizing **CRDTs (Conflict-free Replicated Data Types)** to manage state in decentralized environments.
- Optimize Multi-Protocol Routing: Ensure reliable data flow from the tactical edge to the core by configuring and optimizing routing across heterogeneous and constrained network transports, including **BLE**, local Wi-Fi, and tactical radios.
- Solve Problems in Real-Time: Act as the first line of technical defense, rapidly diagnosing and resolving infrastructure, network, and software issues as they arise on the ground.
- Bridge the Gap: Translate the unique, edge-case operational realities you observe (e.g., severe bandwidth constraints, disconnected nodes) into actionable technical requirements for the core product development team.

## What You’ll Need
- **Clearance Requirement**: Must hold an active **TS/SCI clearance** (U.S. Citizenship strictly required).
- **5+ years** of experience in software engineering, forward deployed engineering, or **SRE**.
- **2+ years** of technical experience working with **distributed systems** and **cloud-native architectures**, including **Kubernetes**, **RKE2**, **K3s**, and event streaming or data messaging platforms.
- Prior experience with **edge computing**, state management, and complex data synchronization (eventual consistency, decentralized architectures).
- Highly adaptable, problem-solving mindset; strong communication skills.

## Nice to Haves
- Experience with secure data boundaries, **Cross Domain Solutions (CDS)**, high impact levels (**IL5/IL6**).
- Advanced networking, multi-protocol routing, **CRDTs**, local-first software.
- Tactical edge operations, **military communication systems**, **MANETs**.
- Lightweight orchestration (**K3s**, **RKE2**, **Nomad**).
- **DoD/IC/federal** experience, **systems programming** (**Rust**, **Go**, **C++**).

## Benefits
- Competitive salaries and equity.
- US: health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, **401(k)**, flexible spending accounts.
- Flexible time off.
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-software-engineer-fde-at-ditto-550859c8-02c6-48b5-bb3a-9027ddbe7146
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/senior-software-engineer-fde-at-ditto-550859c8-02c6-48b5-bb3a-9027ddbe7146