Who We Are
At HFA, we’re proud to be Hawai‘i’s largest local supplier of perishable foods and logistics—serving grocers, retailers, and club chains across the islands. But we’re not just moving products—we’re building connections, nourishing communities, and growing something that matters.
Our team is the heart of our success. That’s why we invest deeply in our people—offering real opportunities for growth, leadership, and innovation. Whether you're starting your journey or taking the next step, we’re here to support you.
If you're looking for more than a job—if you want a career with purpose, people who care, and a place where you can grow—we’d love to meet you.
Grow with us. Thrive with us. Join the HFA ‘ohana.
We are seeking a Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering to lead the development of practical, high-impact software solutions that directly support business operations. In this role, you will work closely with internal stakeholders, subject-matter experts, and operational teams to understand real-world workflows and translate them into scalable, production-ready systems. This position combines hands-on full-stack development with technical leadership, architecting and building end-to-end solutions while mentoring engineers and establishing best practices that ensure reliability, maintainability, and long-term scalability. The ideal candidate thrives in a highly collaborative environment, leveraging modern technologies and AI-assisted development tools to rapidly deliver solutions that automate processes and solve meaningful business challenges.
Applicants must currently reside in Oahu, Hawaii to be considered for this role.
This role is based on-site at our Oahu Office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Forward Deployed Engineering
- Work directly with internal stakeholders, operational leaders, and subject-matter experts to understand business workflows and translate operational needs into scalable software solutions.
- Operate as a forward deployed engineer, embedding closely with users to design, build, and deploy systems that solve real operational challenges.
- Rapidly prototype and iterate on solutions while maintaining long-term system reliability and maintainability.
Full Stack Application Development
- Design, build, and maintain full stack web applications, including frontend interfaces, backend services, APIs, and database architecture.
- Develop and deploy production-ready software using modern web development frameworks and tools.
- Ensure applications are performant, secure, across browsers, devices, and operating systems.
- Maintain strong backend architecture fundamentals including API design, data modeling, transaction integrity, and system integration.
Product Development & Ownership
- Take ownership of product and system development from concept through deployment and ongoing improvement.
- Work collaboratively with business users to define requirements, prioritize features, and deliver solutions that create measurable operational value.
- Help shape product direction by identifying opportunities for automation, workflow improvements, and new system capabilities.
Technical Leadership
- Provide technical leadership while remaining a hands-on contributor, writing and reviewing production code.
- Mentor engineers and guide development practices that promote high-quality software and sustainable system design.
- Establish best practices for development workflows, testing, deployment, and system monitoring.
AI-Enabled Development & Automation
- Leverage modern development tools, automation frameworks, and AI-assisted technologies to accelerate delivery and improve system capabilities.
- Identify opportunities to incorporate automation, intelligent workflows, and data-driven decision support into internal applications.
System Reliability & Maintenance
- Monitor system performance and reliability, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to maintain stable production systems.
- Maintain system documentation, deployment processes, and recovery procedures to ensure operational continuity.
Qualifications
Experience
- 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant experience building and deploying production systems.
- Demonstrated experience delivering full stack web applications from concept to production.
- Experience working closely with business stakeholders to translate operational needs into technical solutions.
Technical Skills
- Strong experience developing full stack web applications using modern technologies.
- Proficiency in backend development (such as Java / Spring Framework or similar backend frameworks).
- Proficiency in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and modern frontend development practices.
- Experience designing and building RESTful APIs and service integrations.
- Strong experience with SQL databases and data modeling.
- Familiarity with modern development workflows.
Product & Business Understanding
- Ability to think beyond individual features and understand how systems support broader operational processes.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to define product requirements and prioritize development efforts.
- Strong ability to identify opportunities for automation, system improvement, and operational efficiency.
Leadership & Communication
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor other engineers.
- Ability to balance speed of delivery with long-term system stability and maintainability.
Additional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Must currently reside in Hawai‘i or be willing to relocate to Oahu.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic operational environment where systems support real-time business processes.
About Us
- Starting Pay: $100,000/year. Relevant experience will be highly considered in actual wage.
- Free Healthcare (for Team Members & partial subsidy for family members)
- 401(k) Plan with % matching
- Paid Weekly
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Volunteer Time
- Financial Education Programs
- On the Job Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discounts (e.g., Gym membership, Cellular service, Legal Assistance plan)
We kindly request all applicants to submit a tailored cover letter outlining their relevant experience, skills, and interest in the position.
HFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
