Principal Forward Deployed Engineer

This role involves embedding on-site with the client to design, build, and deploy a GenAI/agentic solution from proof of concept through to full production launch. The candidate will work closely with the client’s team to ensure seamless integration, address real-time challenges, and deliver a robust, scalable system tailored to the client’s environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Own the end-to-end development of the GenAI/agentic solution, from architecture design through implementation.
- Integrate the solution into the client’s live environment, including authentication, data access, existing systems, and legacy interfaces.
- Adapt the solution on-site as real-world usage reveals edge cases not anticipated during initial design.
- Debug and resolve production issues directly within the client’s infrastructure to maintain system stability.
- Establish monitoring tools and create comprehensive handoff documentation for the client’s internal teams.
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for the client throughout the delivery process.
- Lead the delivery pod for GenAI/agentic projects when appropriate, coordinating team efforts.
- Provide presales support during periods of high pursuit volume to supplement Hub capacity.
- Incorporate lessons learned from builds into the practice’s estimation models and pattern libraries.
- Manage client expectations effectively, especially when scope or timelines shift.

Required Qualifications

- 10 to 15+ years of experience shipping production software, with hands-on expertise in GenAI, large language models (LLM), and agentic system development.
- Full-stack proficiency across the GenAI application layer, including orchestration, retrieval, integration, and deployment.
- Strong debugging skills across infrastructure, application code, and model behavior.
- Experience integrating with enterprise systems such as single sign-on (SSO), legacy APIs, and data governance frameworks.
- Working knowledge of major agentic and GenAI platforms likely used by clients, including Microsoft Azure AI Foundry, AWS Bedrock/Strands Agents, and Google Vertex AI.
- Familiarity with open-source alternatives like LangChain and LlamaIndex is advantageous, especially when clients have no platform preference.
- Comfortable serving as the senior technical presence in client meetings, confidently guiding engineering teams.
- Excellent client-facing communication skills, capable of explaining technical tradeoffs clearly under time constraints.
- Proven ability to transform ambiguous or partially specified designs into fully functional production systems.
- Resilient and composed under the pressure of on-site, client-facing delivery with tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Prior experience in forward-deployed roles, startups, or embedded consulting is highly valued.
- Opportunity to lead innovative projects at the intersection of AI and enterprise systems.
- Collaborative environment with direct client engagement and influence over solution design.
- Exposure to cutting-edge GenAI platforms and the chance to shape best practices within the practice.

This position is ideal for a seasoned software professional who thrives in dynamic, client-facing environments and has a passion for delivering complex AI-driven solutions from concept to production.