Forward Deployed Engineer

Job description

H2 Analytics is a mission-focused technology company redefining how intelligence specialists train and modernize. We partner with military, national security, law enforcement, and other mission-driven organizations to improve readiness at speed and scale. Our team includes former intelligence professionals who have lived the problems we’re solving. We move fast, have ambitious goals, and are driven by a strong sense of purpose. THE PAIN POINT YOU CAN HELP US SOLVE Mission-driven organizations operate in complex, highly controlled technical environments where deploying and maintaining modern software is far from straightforward. Systems are often air-gapped, security requirements are stringent, and infrastructure varies widely across organizations. Our platform, EASE, enables large-scale, high-quality training and experimentation. Each deployment must be carefully configured, integrated with existing systems, and adapted to the constraints of secure client networks. This creates a critical gap: organizations need robust, reliable deployments, but integrating software into their environments can be time-consuming and technically demanding, with each deployment shaped by different infrastructure, security requirements, and levels of technical maturity. We’re solving that problem by embedding our technical expertise directly into client delivery work, ensuring our software works seamlessly in their environments and enabling teams to focus on training, not infrastructure. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will deploy, configure, and support EASE and other software solutions in client environments, primarily on-premises. Working as part of a project team, you’ll be responsible for ensuring our software integrates effectively with client infrastructure and performs reliably under operational constraints. You’ll spend much of your time installing and configuring systems, troubleshooting issues across application, network, and infrastructure layers, and adapting deployments to meet the realities of each environment. This includes working with secure or restricted networks, integrating with third-party systems, and resolving technical challenges that don’t always have clean or predictable solutions. You’ll work closely with project managers and engineering teams to deliver successful deployments, and engage directly with clients as needed to diagnose issues, understand constraints, and ensure long-term success. Over time, you’ll help refine how we deploy and support EASE, contributing to more scalable and repeatable delivery practices. You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy hands-on technical work, are comfortable operating in complex and imperfect environments, and take pride in solving difficult problems that sit at the intersection of software, infrastructure, and real-world use. Prerequisites: 5+ years of experience deploying and integrating complex applications into client environments, including: - Demonstrated experience communicating with technical and non-technical stakeholders, explaining issues clearly, and building trust while working through complex problems. - Exceptional problem solving and debugging skills, including ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across application, infrastructure, and network layers. - Strong working knowledge of Linux sysadmin, (e.g., user management, security, package managers, storage, etc.). - Strong working knowledge of networking configuration and best practices (firewalls, routing, VPNs) and experience troubleshooting network-related issues, ideally in secure network environments. - Experience with scripting (e.g., Bash, Python) to automate tasks and streamline deployments. - Experience with Docker / containerization and image creation. - Experience working directly with clients to diagnose issues, understand constraints, and support successful deployments. - Knowledge of hypervisor software (e.g. VMWare, Hyper-V, VSphere, ESXi, Proxmox) - Knowledge of GIS applications / geospatial data - Eligible to obtain (or hold) a Government of Canada Secret clearance. - Able to support on-site deployments and client engagements as required. Core skills: - Lead the end-to-end deployment of our software at customer sites, including installation, configuration, and integration with customer infrastructure and third-party systems. - Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues, often involving integration challenges between our software and third-party systems, to include using debugging tools and methodologies to identify root causes and implement effective solutions. - Apply advanced Linux system administration skills to configure, optimize, and troubleshoot customer environments, ensuring optimal performance and security of our deployed software. - Serve as a primary technical point of contact for customers, providing expert guidance, technical training, and ongoing support. - Analyze intricate technical problems, develop creative solutions, and implement best practices for robust system integration. - Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including deployment guides, configuration instructions, and troubleshooting procedures. - Leverage understanding of military operational environments to effectively navigate and deploy solutions within these specialized settings. - Work with clients and internal teams to understand technical requirements and translate them into effective deployment and integration approaches. - Work across product, engineering, and delivery teams to resolve issues and contribute to continuous product and deployment improvements. Nice to have: - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience - Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef) - Familiarity with container orchestration platforms (e.g., Kubernetes) - Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP). - Familiarity with IT security best practices and compliance. - Experience working in defence, intelligence, law enforcement, or similar environments. - Live in or be willing to relocate to Ottawa or Kingston. Other locations will be considered. WHAT WE OFFER - Base salary: CAD $120,000 - $170,000 (based on skill and experience) - Bonus: Eligible for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance - Benefits: Extended health insurance for employees and their dependants - Job type: Full-time, Hybrid VACANCY STATUS This posting is for an existing vacancy. HOW WE USE AI To help us efficiently review the high volume of applications we receive, H2 Analytics uses AI tools as part of our initial screening process. These tools help identify relevant skills and experience within your resume. However, all final shortlisting and hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team.