Forward Deployed Engineer
Architect and ship production-grade AI systems directly with customers. A founding-team role at one of the fastest-moving AI infrastructure companies in the market — replacing legacy systems like ServiceNow with an AI-native platform that’s already automating 50%+ of IT operations for customers like Perplexity, Notion, and Verkada.
AI-Native Automation for Enterprise IT
Our client is a fast-growing AI infrastructure company headquartered in San Francisco, building the next generation of enterprise automation. Founded in 2024 and backed by over $100M from top-tier venture investors, they are trusted by a portfolio of high-profile technology companies to automate mission-critical operations.
Their customers — a roster of leading technology companies — are automating more than 50% of their IT operations with this platform. The company operates with a lean team of 25 builders, a flat structure, and a strong in-person culture in San Francisco.
Engineer First. Customer-Facing Second.
This is not a typical implementation role. As a founding member of the Agent Deployment team, you will architect and ship production-grade systems directly with the company’s most strategic customers — while contributing to the core platform. You will help define how this function operates and have direct influence on the product roadmap.
What You’ll Do
- Architect and build production-grade systems for strategic pilots, translating complex customer requirements into scalable, durable implementations
- Design, implement, and maintain backend services, APIs, and integrations that expand the capabilities of the AI agent platform
- Build secure, high-performance integrations with external systems — reliability, observability, and maintainability first
- Turn real customer pain points and edge cases into reusable product capabilities that improve the platform for future deployments
- Own the full technical lifecycle of key deployments — from initial architecture through launch, scaling, and ongoing optimization
- Partner directly with customers, sales, and internal engineering to move fast from idea to production
- Help shape a new function from the ground up with clear visibility, ownership, and influence across the business
What We’re Looking For
- Experience shipping backend-heavy production systems and building external integrations (APIs, third-party systems, enterprise tools)
- Background at a company known for a high engineering bar and real-world impact
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Physics from a top-tier program (Top 20 school or equivalent signal)
- Strong backend engineering fundamentals — coding and system design — sufficient to pass a high-bar SWE interview
- Must work on-site in San Francisco five days per week
- 1+ years of experience in software engineering, ideally in a product-focused or customer-facing role
- Experience building scalable systems, integrations, or workflow automation tools
- Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and business stakeholders
- Comfort operating in fast-moving, ambiguous environments with high ownership
- Early engineer experience at a fast-moving startup (Series D or earlier) or 0-to-1 product building
- Direct experience working with enterprise customers — pilots, implementations, or customer-facing engineering
- Exposure to AI/LLM systems, agent-based architectures, or automation platforms
- Interest in founding or building a company in the future
Do Not Apply If…
Candidates who match any of the following will not be considered, regardless of other qualifications.
- Cannot or will not work on-site in San Francisco five days per week
- Prefers highly structured, slow-paced corporate environments
- Requires significant hand-holding, detailed instructions, or close supervision to execute
- Background primarily in data science, product management, or roles with minimal hands-on software engineering
- No CS / Engineering / Math / Physics degree or equivalent rigorous technical foundation
- Requires visa sponsorship (not available)
Interview Process
This company moves quickly — loops can be completed within one week for strong candidates.
Recruiter Screen
30-minute intro — background, logistics, and culture fit
Technical Coding Interview
High-bar SWE-style coding assessment
On-site: Pair Programming + System Design
Live coding collaboration and architecture deep-dive
Cross-Functional Interviews
Sessions with Sales team and key stakeholders
CEO Conversation
Final conversation with company leadership