Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - Gen AI

This role involves embedding on-site with a client to lead the full lifecycle development and deployment of a GenAI/agentic solution, from proof of concept through to production launch. The candidate will work closely with the client’s teams to ensure seamless integration, adaptation, and ongoing support of the solution within the client’s live environment. This position requires a hands-on technical expert who can navigate complex enterprise systems and deliver robust, scalable AI-driven applications under real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities

- Own the end-to-end development of the GenAI/agentic solution, starting from scoped architecture through to full implementation and production deployment.
- Integrate the solution with the client’s existing live environment, including authentication systems, data access frameworks, legacy interfaces, and other enterprise systems.
- Adapt and refine the solution on-site as real usage reveals edge cases or challenges not anticipated during initial design.
- Debug and resolve production issues directly within the client’s infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
- Establish monitoring tools and create comprehensive handoff documentation to enable the client’s internal teams to maintain and support the solution independently.
- Act as the primary technical point of contact for the client throughout the delivery process, maintaining clear communication and managing expectations.
- Lead the delivery pod for GenAI/agentic projects when appropriate, coordinating team efforts and ensuring timely execution.
- Provide presales support during periods of high pursuit volume that exceed Hub capacity, contributing technical expertise to business development activities.
- Capture and share learnings from builds to improve the practice’s estimation accuracy and pattern library for future engagements.
- Manage client expectations effectively, especially when project scope or timelines shift due to unforeseen challenges.

Required Qualifications

- 10 to 15+ years of experience delivering production software, with significant hands-on expertise in GenAI, large language models (LLMs), and agentic system development.
- Proficiency across the full stack of GenAI application layers, including orchestration, retrieval, integration, and deployment.
- Strong debugging skills spanning infrastructure, application code, and model behavior to quickly identify and resolve issues.
- Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise systems such as single sign-on (SSO), legacy APIs, and data governance frameworks.
- Familiarity with major GenAI platforms likely used by clients, including Microsoft Azure AI Foundry, AWS Bedrock/Strands Agents, and Google Vertex AI. Comfort with open-source alternatives like LangChain and LlamaIndex is a plus, especially when clients have no platform preference.
- Ability to serve as the senior technical presence in client meetings, confidently guiding engineering teams and making critical technical decisions.
- Excellent client-facing communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical tradeoffs clearly under time pressure.
- Proven track record of transforming ambiguous or partially specified designs into fully functioning production systems.
- Resilience and composure under the pressure of on-site, client-facing delivery with visible deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Prior experience in forward-deployed roles, startups, or embedded consulting environments is highly desirable, as it demonstrates adaptability and a client-centric mindset.
- Opportunity to lead cutting-edge AI projects with direct client impact, working in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
- Exposure to a variety of enterprise environments and AI platforms, enhancing technical breadth and depth.

This position is ideal for a seasoned technical leader who thrives in collaborative, high-stakes environments and is passionate about driving innovative AI solutions from concept to production.