Head of Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE)
Core
Lead the Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) function to embed an AI-native platform into vertical market software businesses, optimizing labor efficiency and accelerating deployment cycles.
Role type
Senior leadership IC / Function Head (Forward Deployed Engineering)
Builds
AI-native operating platform primitives, agent workflows, and shared engineering capabilities for vertical SaaS clients
Domain
AI/ML, Vertical SaaS, Enterprise Software, Platform Engineering
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | infrastructure
Required skills
Leading embedded/forward-deployed engineering teams, LLM-native software development, capacity allocation strategy, P&L and EBITDA analysis, stakeholder management with C-suite (GMs), technical sequencing, building shared backlogs
Preferred skills
Palantir-style FDE background, private equity or holdco operating exposure, vertical SaaS experience, legacy stack modernization
Technologies
LLMs, Agent workflows, AI-native platforms
Responsibilities
Define FDE doctrine and standards, allocate engineering capacity across portfolio pods, partner with product leaders on backlog prioritization, drive platform improvements from field patterns, hire and mentor senior generalists, execute hands-on deployments
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with leadership responsibilities
