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- Tasks: Lead hands-on deployments of AI solutions in high-impact environments.
- Company: Windward is a maritime AI leader transforming global trade insights.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, autonomy, and travel opportunities across Europe.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge technology solving real-world problems with an elite team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in software engineering; strong coding skills in Python or JavaScript.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage directly with users and shape product development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Windward is a maritime AI leader helping governments and enterprises navigate risk, compliance, and geopolitical uncertainty across global trade. Our platform transforms massive unstructured datasets into real-time, actionable insights.
We are looking for a Forward Deployed AI Engineer (FDE) to lead hands-on deployments of our platform in complex, high-impact environments. Our customers include governments, defense organizations, maritime companies, traders and global logistics leaders.
You will operate at the intersection of software engineering, customer success, and operational delivery. This is a hands-on engineering role. You will write production-grade code, build APIs, develop integrations, and deliver custom features that solve real problems. You’ll own execution end to end, from scoping to merging to master and will have opportunities to contribute learning and workflows from customers to our product suite.
This is not a sales engineering role. It is for builders who want to work directly with users and move fast. You’ll be in the room with end-users, writing code, and delivering value in days or weeks - not quarters.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the technical deployment of Windward’s platform for strategic customers
- Write clean, scalable production code to build integrations, APIs, scripts, and microservices
- Develop tools that transform unstructured data (like AIS, port calls, or vessel documents) into insights
- Work with Product and Engineering to shape our roadmap based on what matters in the field
- Rapidly prototype and iterate on new features and use cases
- Engage directly with technical users and analysts to solve operational challenges
- Operate independently within customer environments, when required
- At least 3 years of experience as a software engineer or devops engineer with concrete development experience
- Strong coding skills with at least one of the following: python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, React
- Experience working with data pipelines, APIs, and cloud infrastructure (especially AWS and Docker)
- Comfortable working in high-pressure or sensitive environments
- Strong interpersonal skills and confidence working directly with both technical and operational teams
- Able to ship fast, iterate quickly, and deliver measurable results
- Familiarity with domain-specific data (geospatial, maritime, trade, logistics) is a plus
- Experience as a Forward Deployed Engineer or similar role at Palantir or another vertical AI company
- Past experience building solutions with LLMs and a deep understanding of the overall Gen AI landscape
- Experience with modern development process using Cursor, Windsurf, copilot and similar tools
- Background working with government, intelligence, defense, logistics, or maritime sectors
- Experience deploying software in secure or mission-critical environments
- Track record of owning customer outcomes end-to-end
- High-impact work with global relevance
- Tight-knit, elite team with minimal bureaucracy
- Ownership from day one, autonomy to move fast
- Work on some of the world’s most interesting problems at the edge of technology and geopolitics
- Hybrid work from our London office (Blackfriars), 3 days a week in-office
- Travel across Europe expected, approximately 25 - 30%, at times on short notice
Contact Detail:
Windward Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forward Deployed AI Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the maritime industry and its specific challenges. Understanding the nuances of maritime operations, compliance, and geopolitical factors will help you engage more effectively with potential customers and demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript. Since this role requires writing production-grade code, being able to showcase your coding abilities through practical examples or projects can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the AI and maritime sectors. Attend relevant meetups, webinars, or conferences to connect with individuals who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights into the industry and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with data pipelines and cloud infrastructure, especially AWS and Docker. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully deployed software in high-pressure environments, as this will resonate well with the expectations of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Forward Deployed AI Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Forward Deployed AI Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the job description.
Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasise your coding skills in languages like Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript. Provide specific examples of projects where you've built APIs, integrations, or worked with data pipelines to showcase your technical expertise.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include examples of how you've solved operational challenges in previous roles. This could involve discussing your experience in high-pressure environments or how you've delivered measurable results quickly.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it for Windward. Mention why you're interested in their mission and how your background in software engineering aligns with their goals in maritime AI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Windward
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your coding abilities during the interview. Windward is looking for someone with strong skills in languages like Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript. Bring examples of your past work or be ready to solve coding challenges on the spot.
✨Understand the Domain
Familiarise yourself with maritime data and the specific challenges faced by the industry. Knowing about geospatial data, trade logistics, and how AI can transform these areas will show that you are genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Since this role involves hands-on deployment in high-pressure environments, be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. Think of specific examples where you delivered solutions quickly and effectively.
✨Engage with Interpersonal Skills
Windward values strong interpersonal skills, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and operational teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as you'll need to engage directly with users.
