Forward Deployed Engineer

We’re supporting a client with the recruitment requirement outlined below. If your recruiting expertise and networks align with the role, please apply to express your interest.

Once approved to work on the opportunity, you’ll receive the full brief, including the client name, role details, and commercial terms.

Role Details

Location: San Francisco, California

Industry: AI and logistics

Salary: $125,000–$175,000 per year

Equity: 0.3%–0.7%

Employment: Full-time, in-office, 5 days per week

Experience: 3+ years

Visa Sponsorship: Limited

About the Company

An early-stage AI startup is developing a platform that helps logistics and supply chain companies automate complex operational workflows using AI agents. Its platform supports businesses across freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, trucking, and third-party logistics.

The company focuses on turning customer needs into reusable product capabilities rather than building separate, one-off solutions.

About the Role

The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) bridges customers and the engineering team. You’ll work closely with customers to understand their operations, identify bottlenecks, configure the platform, and implement solutions that improve workflows. You’ll also share customer insights with the product team to guide future development.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing engineering role that combines technical problem-solving, relationship-building, and product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer projects from discovery and solution design through deployment and optimization.

• Work with executives and end users to understand business needs and operational challenges.

• Configure the platform, onboard new use cases, and develop features that improve customer workflows.

• Translate recurring customer needs into reusable core product capabilities.

• Share customer insights with the product team to inform product strategy and the roadmap.

• Support product reliability and troubleshoot technical issues.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of relevant experience, ideally in a customer-facing engineering role.

• Strong technical aptitude and the ability to read and write Python, Node.js, and Next.js.

• Understanding of data-driven architectures.

• Excellent communication skills and a track record of building strong B2B relationships.

• Ability to conduct effective discovery, identify underlying business problems, and develop appropriate solutions.

• Strong problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.

• Willingness to work in person in San Francisco five days per week.

• Interest in logistics and supply chain is beneficial.

• Experience deploying comparable systems for similar customers is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Daily team dinners.

• Travel stipend.

• Health, vision, and dental insurance.

Interview Process

• Initial Call: 10–15 minutes with the CEO.

• Technical Screen

• On-site Interview

• Offer and Hiring