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Forward Deployed Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vercel

Forward-Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

We are looking for a Senior Forward-Deployed Engineer to join our Professional Services team. This role is focused on working directly alongside developer teams in our most strategic enterprise ...

Luma

Forward Deployed Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$168K - $252K/yr

Forward Deployed Engineers turn what Luma's models can do into systems customers actually rely on. You embed with a customer, learn their workflow, define the problem with them, and build the ...

LiveKit

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Forward Deployed Engineers partner closely with customers to design systems, prototype solutions, and solve complex technical challenges as teams move from experimentation to production. You'll work ...

Figma

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll embed directly with strategic customers, working across their codebases, design systems, developer environments, and workflows to make Figma's products ...

Rime Labs

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Forward Deployed Engineer Location: San Francisco Reports To: Head of Forward Deployed Engineering OTE : $185,000 - $235,000 About Us Rime builds voice AI for enterprises running customer experiences ...

Blockstream

Forward Deployed Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We're seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer embedded directly inside customer engineering teams, writing the code, building the tooling, integrations and configurations needed to get Blockstream ...

Capitolis

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$148 - $275/hr

About the Role: We're hiring a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE): a deeply technical builder and technical leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, product, and real customer problems.

Figma

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll embed directly with strategic customers, working across their codebases, design systems, developer environments, and workflows to make Figma's products ...

Monaco

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

Forward Deployed Engineers are the tip of the spear for our most strategic customers: when Sales, CX, or GTM needs something the product can't do yet, you embed with them, take an ambiguous, high ...

F2 AI

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Forward Deployed Engineer ENGINEERING | San Francisco, New York City | On-site | Full-time The Role We're looking for founding Forward Deployed Engineers who will be the engineer closest to the ...

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How much do forward deployed engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for forward deployed engineer in California is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forward deployed engineer?

A Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) is a technical role that combines software engineering with customer-facing problem-solving. FDEs work closely with clients to deploy, customize, and optimize software solutions, often integrating complex systems into their workflows. They need strong coding skills, domain expertise, and the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions. The role typically involves travel, hands-on implementation, and collaboration with internal engineering teams to enhance products based on real-world use cases. It is ideal for those who enjoy both technical challenges and direct customer engagement.

What does a forward deployed engineer do?

A typical day for a Forward Deployed Engineer involves working closely with clients to understand their unique needs, designing and implementing software solutions, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. You'll spend time writing code, configuring systems, and sometimes traveling to client sites to provide on-the-ground support. Collaboration is frequent, as you'll interact with both internal product teams and client stakeholders to ensure solutions are effective and aligned with project goals. This role offers variety and the opportunity to solve challenging, real-world problems while directly impacting the client's success.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forward deployed engineer?

A Forward Deployed Engineer needs strong problem-solving abilities, expertise in software engineering, and the capacity to work directly with clients, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), cloud platforms, and version control systems is commonly required, along with experience deploying technical solutions. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills help these engineers excel when navigating client needs and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These capabilities are vital to delivering tailored solutions efficiently while ensuring successful client outcomes in demanding, real-world environments.

How much does a forward deployed engineer make?

A forward deployed engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and benefits, especially in tech-focused environments requiring strong problem-solving and coding skills.

Is a forward deployed engineer a good job?

A forward deployed engineer is a technical role that involves working closely with clients to deploy and support software solutions, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. The job can be rewarding for those interested in client interaction, real-world application of engineering skills, and working in dynamic environments, but it may also involve travel and high-pressure situations. Overall, it is considered a valuable position for individuals seeking hands-on technical experience and client-facing responsibilities.

What is the demand for forward deployed engineers?

The demand for forward deployed engineers is growing, especially in technology and defense sectors, as companies seek engineers who can work closely with clients and adapt quickly to changing requirements. These roles often require strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of cloud platforms, and the ability to operate in dynamic environments, making them highly sought after in the job market.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forward Deployed Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Forward Deployed Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Forward Deployed Engineer jobs in California?

For Forward Deployed Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forward Deployed Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Forward Deployed Engineer jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Forward Deployed Engineer job openings:

Forward Deployed Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forward Deployed Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,938 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Forward Deployed Engineer

SA Technologies, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


Unlock New Career Opportunities with SA Technologies Inc.
We're Hiring: Forward Deployed Engineer
At SA Technologies Inc., we believe in turning career aspirations into reality. As a CMMI Level 5 and Great Place to Work® Certified global IT consulting and services company-and recognized as one of the Best Places for Women-we are committed to building an inclusive, supportive, and high-performance workplace
Job Description
2. Forward Deployed Engineer / Forward Deployed AI Engineer
Job Title: Forward Deployed Engineer - AI
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Model: Onsite / Hybrid with customer interaction/travel as required
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly technical Forward Deployed Engineer who can operate at the intersection of customers, product, AI, and software engineering.
This is not a traditional pre-sales or Solutions Architect position. The successful candidate will be expected to write production-quality code, understand complex customer problems, rapidly prototype solutions, integrate with customer systems, and work with the core engineering team to turn successful implementations into scalable product capabilities.
Responsibilities
  • Work directly with customers to understand complex technical and business problems.
  • Translate ambiguous customer requirements into working technical solutions.
  • Build prototypes and POCs rapidly and evolve successful solutions into production deployments.
  • Develop integrations, APIs, backend services, data workflows, and AI-powered applications.
  • Build with Python and/or TypeScript and modern cloud/backend technologies.
  • Implement LLM, RAG, agentic, and Generative AI workflows where appropriate.
  • Integrate products with customer data sources, APIs, databases, and enterprise systems.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues across application, data, integration, and infrastructure layers.
  • Partner closely with product and engineering to convert customer learnings into reusable product features.
  • Own implementations from technical discovery through deployment and adoption.
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively to both engineers and senior customer stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
  • Strong hands-on software engineering background.
  • Proficiency with Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, Go, Java, or similar languages.
  • Experience developing APIs, integrations, backend applications, or full-stack products.
  • Experience working directly with customers or end users on technical implementations.
  • Ability to move quickly from discovery → solution design → prototype → production.
  • Strong debugging and systems-thinking skills.
  • Experience working with modern cloud infrastructure and data systems.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with significant ownership.
Highly Preferred
  • Previous Forward Deployed Engineer, Solutions Engineer, Customer Engineer, Founding Engineer, or similar experience.
  • Hands-on experience building production AI/LLM/agentic applications.
  • Experience at an early-stage/high-growth technology company.
  • Strong startup or 0→1 product-building experience.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to customer sites when necessary.

Important: Candidates whose experience is primarily presentations, pre-sales demonstrations, or high-level solution architecture without substantial hands-on coding are unlikely to be suitable.
Why SA Technologies Inc.?
Empowering Work Environment: A Great Place to Work, especially celebrated as one of the Best Places for Women.
Excellence and Quality: A CMMI Level 5 Company, ensuring operational and service excellence.
Globally Acclaimed: A Microsoft Gold Partner and Google Partner, with over 20 years of global IT consulting and Development solutions delivery.
Have queries? We're here to assist you! Chat live with our recruiter or connect with the job owner directly:
Email:suraj.dinda@satechglobal.us
Embark on a rewarding journey together with us! At SA Technologies Inc., your journey begins with a friendly technical assessment, providing a stage to highlight your unique skills.

Apply