Introduction to Forward-Deployed Engineers

The demand for forward-deployed engineers has skyrocketed, with job listings for such AI roles on Indeed jumping over 800% between January and September this year, as reported by Indeed’s Hiring Lab and the Financial Times. This trend highlights the industry’s push to make AI products more practical and useful for businesses.

What do Forward-Deployed Engineers Do?

Forward-deployed engineers design customized solutions so that AI tools deliver value instead of just sounding impressive. According to Michelle Lim, co-founder of tech start-up Flint, the FDE position is “an evolution of the solutions engineer,” describing it as the perfect fit for technical professionals who want to engage deeply with customers.

Industry Influence and Job Description

Pioneered by Palantir, leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are on the lookout for forward-deployed engineers. These professionals will not only be expected to write code but also to understand customer needs and help them leverage AI tools effectively.

Real-World Examples and Success Stories

Novo Nordisk reduced clinical documentation time by 90% with the help of embedded Anthropic engineers, and John Deere cut chemical spraying by leveraging AI solutions. These examples demonstrate the tangible impact forward-deployed engineers can have on businesses.

Market Trend and Hiring War

The Financial Times reports a hiring war for technical specialists who embed directly within companies to make AI actually work. This trend is expected to continue as platform companies, especially AI, data, identity, and ERP, are under massive pressure to prove time-to-value.

Positioning Yourself for the Role

To become a forward-deployed engineer, one needs to combine deep technical knowledge with hands-on collaboration skills. As Craig Hepburn, AI Strategist & Builder, notes, the role requires a unique blend of software, sales, and platform engineering skills.