Forward-Deployed Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Forward-Deployed Engineer (AI Infrastructure): Building and deploying specialized AI models for enterprises and startups with an accent on LLM inference, fine-tuning, and production-grade infrastructure. Focus on owning the technical win from discovery to production and optimizing model performance using vLLM and TensorRT-LLM.

Location: Remote-friendly within the USA (hubs in New York and San Mateo), with regular travel to enterprise customers.

Compensation: OTE $220K – $280K + Equity

Company

A fast-scaling AI infrastructure company (Series D, $17.5B valuation) helping enterprises build and serve their own specialized AI models.

What you will do

• Manage the full pre-sales technical cycle: discovery, POC scoping, model evaluations, and final selection.
• Develop and ship production code directly within customer environments.
• Deploy and fine-tune open-model LLMs using frameworks like vLLM, SGLang, and TensorRT-LLM.
• Partner with sales counterparts to shape deal strategy and ensure technical wins.
• Build technical and strategic relationships with stakeholders from engineers to C-level executives.

Requirements

• 3+ years in a client-facing AI/ML role (e.g., Solutions Architect, Forward-Deployed Engineer, Applied AI Engineer).
• Hands-on experience with open-model LLM inference and/or fine-tuning.
• Experience with Hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, or GCP) in an AI context.
• Strong Python skills and comfort with GPU infrastructure and Kubernetes.
• Background at an AI-native company or a SaaS company building core AI features.
• Must be based in the US and open to regular travel.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Meaningful equity in a high-growth, well-funded Series D startup.
• Opportunity to work directly with the CTO, VP Engineering, and Head of AI/ML.
• Visa sponsorship available (e.g., new H1B, TN) and open to visa transfers (OPT, H1B).

Hiring process

• Self-paced take-home assignment (building a text-to-SQL system).
• Recruiter screen and Culture/Live Coding session.
• Discovery role-play with the hiring manager.
• Final on-site loop including a customer demo and executive values conversation.
• Final executive interview.