Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Government technology has failed the public for decades and Americans have been conditioned to expect websites from the 90s for essential public services.

Kaizen exists to strengthen trust in American public services by building technology that residents and public servants are proud to use. We partner with local state and federal agencies to replace legacy systems with modern AI-native software that is worthy of the people they serve. We started in outdoor recreation and now we're building toward something much larger — the software layer that powers how Americans access any government service.

Our platform already reaches 40 million residents across 50+ agencies in 17 states.

Founded in 2022 and based in New York City Kaizen has raised $35 million from NEA a16z Accel 776 and Carpenter Capital. We're builders designers and operators who believe that beautifully designed software shouldn’t be a luxury in government. It’s how you earn trust back.

This is a hybrid role based out of our New York City HQ. Candidates must reside in New York or be able to commute to New York City to work out of our office at least three times a week (Tuesdays - Thursdays).

We’re looking for our first Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDSE) to work directly with our customers understand their requests and build solutions that deliver immediate impact. FDSEs sit at the intersection of engineering and deployment. You will partner closely with external customers to translate real-world workflows into polished scalable software. You’ll also help our engineering team build expertise in rapid iteration pattern recognition and the use of AI tooling to accelerate development. This role is ideal for an engineer who loves building fast for real users thrives in ambiguous contexts and is energized by operating at the edge of customer needs.

• A product-minded engineer who cares deeply about user experience clarity and outcomes

• You are AI-native and excited to push a new generation of development and product tools to their limit

• Comfortable working directly with customers and guiding them through technical decisions

• Energized by ambiguous fast-moving problem spaces and capable of bringing structure to them

• Equally comfortable thinking in systems and diving into implementation details

• Collaborative low-ego and motivated by mission-driven work

• Build end-to-end solutions: Design and implement full-stack features (React/Next.js TypeScript Node Postgres) driven by customer needs

• Turn ambiguity into clarity: Scope unclear customer problems and translate them into buildable engineering work

• Prototype and iterate rapidly: Gather feedback directly from users and incorporate it into tight iteration cycles

• Use AI to accelerate workflows: Leverage AI copilots and automation to code faster debug smarter and synthesize user patterns

• Drive cross-functional alignment: Collaborate with product design engineering and deployment to unblock issues and move work forward

• Contribute to scalable systems: Identify recurring customer needs and build reusable components playbooks or internal tools

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience working directly with customers or end users

• Experience building full-stack applications with modern web technologies (React/Next.js TypeScript Node.js Postgres)

• Ability to translate customer workflows and pain points into technical solutions

• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Comfort supporting deployments integrations or customer-facing technical work

• A bias toward action learning and continuous iteration

• Excitement about using AI tools to improve engineering speed quality and reliability

• Have experience in civic tech public sector deployments consulting or forward-deployed engineering

• Have built AI-enhanced workflows or used AI agents extensively for development

• Have led customer-facing implementations or integrations in complex environments

• Have contributed to internal documentation tooling or cultural practices that improve team velocity

• Comprehensive medical through Oxford/United - Gold and Platinum PPO plans with 85% of premiums covered on the Platinum plan and a $0 employee premium option. Dental through Guardian PPO and vision through Beam with 99% of employee premiums covered and 50% for dependents.

• $100000 in fully paid life insurance. FSA and Dependent Care FSA. 401(k) access through Guideline.

• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birthing parents. 10 weeks fully paid for non-birthing parents.

• Unlimited PTO & closed for all federal holidays.

• Company-wide winter break the week of Christmas.

• One-time home office or desk setup stipend up to $750.

• $50/month commuter benefit.

• $100/month for wellness or productivity - your call on how you use it!

• $500/year for professional development.

• $250/year for recreation.

• Company-provided laptop.

• Expensed lunch while in the office.

Kaizen is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race color religion age sex national origin disability genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. If you need an accommodation during the interview process email us at [email protected].

What We Do

Have you struggled to reserve that coveted summer camping spot at a state park? Wondered why you’re still filling out a paper form at the DMV? Or tried (and failed) to book your favorite pickleball court from your phone? Kaizen Labs is rebuilding the government’s digital front door - bringing modern people-first software to the public services millions of Americans rely on every day. From parks & recreation and permitting to licensing and payments we’re replacing outdated systems with intuitive beautiful technology designed for residents and the public servants who serve them. Our platform now powers over 50 agencies across 17 states reaching more than 30 million residents. Recent partners include Maricopa County (AZ) San Bernardino County (CA) and the Cherokee Nation. In Maryland our platform helped eliminate seven-mile traffic jams at state parks saving hundreds of thousands in costs and dramatically improving the visitor experience. Founded in 2022 and based in New York City Kaizen has raised $35 million from world-class investors including NEA Andreessen Horowitz Accel 776 and Carpenter Capital. We’re a team of builders designers and operators redefining what it means to serve the public in the digital age - and we’re just getting started.

Why Work With Us

At Kaizen you’ll find more than just a job - you’ll find ownership autonomy and purpose. We're building tools that truly help communities with a culture rooted in trust psychological safety and cross-functional collaboration. It's meaningful work with smart supportive people by your side.

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