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Nelnet

Forward Deployed Engineer

401 South 21st Street, Lincoln, NE 68510

Full-time · $140k–$185k (as posted)

First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026

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Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

This role is the primary technical bridge between Nelnet’s GenAI delivery team and the higher education and SLED (state, local, and education) institutions it serves. The Forward Deployed Engineer works directly with client technical stakeholders to scope solutions built on the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform (Google’s 2026 evolution of Vertex AI), translating requirements and technical compliance considerations into a scoped delivery backlog, and ensures the solutions being built map to real institutional needs rather than generic platform capabilities.

This role works in partnership with an Engagement Manager, who owns the overall client relationship, contract and commercial terms, staffing, and engagement reporting to practice leadership. The Forward Deployed Engineer owns the technical relationship: solution scoping, delivery backlog, and technical risk. This division of labor differentiates Nelnet’s GenAI practice from a standard Google Cloud reseller relationship, pairing commercial accountability with deep Google Cloud technical and domain credibility rather than folding both into a single role.

Compensation Range for this role: $140,000-$185,000 based on experience



Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture, enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes 24 hours of in-office work each week, for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.

At this time, we are unable to consider external candidates that reside in these states: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.


NOTE: Internal Associates working in a remote capacity may be considered

for this position.


Key Responsibilities:

Technical Discovery & Solution Scoping

Delivery Backlog & Technical Translation

Technical Compliance & Risk Surfacing

Domain Expertise & Trusted Advisory

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Required Skills and Experience:


Desired Competencies:



Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.


Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.  


Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or TalentAcquisition@nelnet.net.


Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.


Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring


We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring