Clera

Founding Forward Deployed Engineer

San FranciscoFull TimePosted Oct 14, 2026

About the Role

Join an early-stage government technology team building software to help law enforcement and prosecutors manage and analyze evidence. As a founding Forward Deployed Engineer, you will work closely with end users, solve immediate operational challenges, and bring frontline insights back into product development.

What You'll Do

  • Work directly with law enforcement and prosecutors to understand evidence management challenges and user needs.

  • Build practical solutions for specific problems, including custom integrations and one-off analyses.

  • Travel 25 to 75% of the time to work in person with customers and learn their workflows.

  • Translate customer feedback into implemented features, pull requests, and clear technical specifications.

  • Identify and solve problems independently in a fast-moving environment where priorities may shift.

What We're Looking For

  • At least 3 years of software engineering experience building and delivering production systems, including experience at an early-stage startup.

  • Experience building software that addresses real user needs and working directly with end users to turn their challenges into technical solutions.

  • Ability to work across the stack and deliver tailored solutions, even when they are not designed to scale broadly.

  • Strong ownership, sound judgment, and comfort operating with autonomy in an ambiguous environment.

  • Interest in public safety and willingness to engage with law enforcement workflows, including supporting background checks and CJIS clearance processes as needed.

  • Experience in government, law enforcement, criminal justice, defense, intelligence, or another regulated or sensitive domain is useful.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range is $130,000 to $215,000 annually. Compensation also includes a founding-level equity stake and performance-based bonuses. Visa sponsorship is available.

Location

This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, California, with regular customer travel.

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