Flex Forward Deployed Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

At FourKites we have the opportunity to tackle complex challenges with real-world impacts. Whether it's medical supplies from Cardinal Health or groceries for Walmart, the FourKites platform helps customers operate global supply chains that are efficient, agile and sustainable.

Join a team of curious problem solvers that celebrates differences, leads with empathy and values inclusivity.

We're looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer who thrives at the intersection of software engineering and direct customer impact. You'll work alongside enterprise customers from first technical discovery through post-launch building and deploying integration and Agentic AI solutions. You hear a customer's problem and you build the solution. Speed, quality, and AI fluency aren't aspirational here; they're how this team operates every day.

What You'll Do

• Customer-Facing Engineering - Join discovery and technical calls, answer complex questions with concrete solutions on the spot, and deploy agentic workflows.
• Technical Development - Build new features, MVPs, and scalable solutions that directly impact customer outcomes.
• AI Workflow Development - Write and extend LangGraph-based workflows and Agent Studio customizations that orchestrate real supply chain operations.
• Integration Development - Design and develop production-grade integrations to connect with customer systems to solve complex supply chain problems.
• Quality & Ownership - Write thorough RCAs for integration failures, own fixes through resolution, and conduct code reviews before any customer deployment.
• Knowledge Building - Contribute to the team's reusable integration and AI workflow library, and mentor incoming FDEs.

Must Have

• Proficiency in Java, Python - clean, production-grade code with proper error handling and test coverage.
• Solid data structures and algorithms fundamentals - you reason about complexity and pick the right approach, not the obvious one.
• Hands-on experience with LLMs, prompt engineering, and agentic workflow design - practical, not theoretical.
• Familiarity with LangGraph, LangChain, or equivalent agentic frameworks.
• Clear, confident communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Background in supply chain, logistics, or B2B SaaS.
• Familiarity with EDI standards, TMS/WMS systems, or carrier integrations.
• Experience with low-code workflow platforms such as n8n, Pipedream, or Temporal.
• Ability to document and communicate integration designs visually using Lucidchart, draw.io, or similar tools.
• Experience with queueing systems, data warehouses, and ETL processes is a plus.

The expected annual base salary range for this role is $70,000 - $100,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, skills, and business needs. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for bonus and incentive compensation as well as participation in FourKites' employee stock option program.

FourKites provides competitive compensation with stock options, outstanding benefits and a collaborative culture for all employees around the globe. To help you be your best, we have 5 global recharge days, in addition to generous PTO and standard holidays. Parental leave for all parents, an annual wellness stipend and volunteer days also provide you with time and resources for self care and to care for others. Throughout the year, FourKites sets aside time during the workday to learn and celebrate diversity. We're always listening for new ways to support everyone in and out of the office.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits starting on first day of employment

• 401k Retirement savings with employer match

• Bonus and incentive compensation as well as employee stock option program

• Employer paid life insurance and short term disability insurance

• Generous PTO, global recharge days, and volunteer days

• Paid parental leave for all parents

• Family planning and inclusive wellbeing resources

• Technology reimbursement

• Commuter benefits for in-office employees (Chicago)

• Annual Wellness Stipend

• Ongoing learning & development opportunities

FourKites, the leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneer of real-time visibility, turns supply chain data into automated action. FourKites Intelligent Control Tower breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks and optimize performance across their supply chain. FourKites processes over 3.2 million supply chain events daily - from purchase orders to final delivery - helping 1,600-plus global brands prevent disruptions, make faster decisions and move from reactive tracking to proactive supply chain orchestration. For more information, visit www.fourkites.com.

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FourKites is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.