At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a hands-on technical partner for API customers, guiding architecture design and optimising performance.
- Company: Join Perplexity AI, a leader in AI-native search and automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) plan, and potential equity options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI-powered solutions while working with innovative companies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in technical support or software engineering with strong API integration skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to influence product development and customer success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
At Perplexity AI, the API Platform powers AI-native search, retrieval, and automation for some of the world’s most innovative companies. Our Support team is the frontline for developer and enterprise success—ensuring that customers can build fast, reliable, and differentiated products on top of API’s capabilities. We don’t just answer tickets—we partner deeply with customers, Product, and Engineering to architect solutions, debug complex integrations, and influence the roadmap based on real-world developer needs.
We’re looking for a Forward-Deployed Engineer to be a hands‑on technical partner for our API customers. This is a deeply technical, customer‑facing role—equal parts solution architect, developer advocate, and technical program manager. You’ll work end‑to‑end with developers, product teams, and executives at our customers’ organizations—from designing their API‑powered architecture to optimizing query performance and implementing new features. You’ll also contribute to internal tooling, docs, and demos that make API adoption easier and more impactful. This role is ideal for TPMs, solutions engineers, or software engineers who have moved into customer‑facing work but still want to build, prototype, and problem‑solve daily.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the dedicated technical partner for strategic API Platform customers, guiding them through architecture design, integration, and optimization.
- Troubleshoot API performance, grounding quality, and integration challenges—diving directly into code and logs when needed.
- Prototype example integrations, search workflows, and demos to accelerate adoption and inspire customer innovation.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Product to resolve high‑priority escalations, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum reliability.
- Capture and synthesize customer feedback to improve API features, SDKs, and developer experience.
- Maintain deep familiarity with the API Platform’s latest capabilities, competitive positioning, and best practices, and use this knowledge to advise customers.
What We’re Looking For
Must‑Haves
- 5+ years in technical support engineering, software engineering, or solutions engineering, with direct application development experience.
- Strong API integration skills—able to design and debug REST/JSON payloads, manage auth flows, and optimize latency.
- Proven track record of diagnosing complex technical issues across distributed systems, APIs, and customer environments.
- Excellent communicator who can work with both developer teams and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent hands‑on experience.
Nice‑to‑Haves
- Experience working with search, retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG), or AI/ML APIs.
- Background in developer tools or platform engineering, especially in high‑scale or low‑latency environments.
- Strong familiarity with Python or JavaScript for building integrations, SDKs, or prototypes.
- History of working at startups or small teams where you owned customer projects end‑to‑end.
Why Join Us
The API Platform is quickly becoming a core infrastructure layer for AI‑powered search and automation. As a Customer Success Engineer, you’ll help shape how our customers—from startups to Fortune 500s—bring their most ambitious ideas to life. You’ll be joining a fast‑moving, high‑impact team where your technical skills, creativity, and ability to bridge product and customer needs will directly influence both the API Platform’s roadmap and its market success.
Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above. Equity: In addition to the base salary, equity may be part of the total compensation package. Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Includes a 401(k) plan.
Forward-Deployed Engineer - API Platform in City of London employer: Perplexity AI Inc.
Contact Detail:
Perplexity AI Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forward-Deployed Engineer - API Platform in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and API integrations. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical interview! Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to solve problems on the spot. Practice common API-related questions to impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Forward-Deployed Engineer - API Platform in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Forward-Deployed Engineer role. Highlight your experience with API integration and technical support, as well as any relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical prowess! Include specific examples of how you've diagnosed complex issues or optimised API performance in past roles. This will help us see your hands-on experience in action.
Communicate Clearly: Since this role involves working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, make sure your application reflects your communication skills. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon where possible to demonstrate your ability to bridge gaps.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perplexity AI Inc.
✨Know Your APIs Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in API integration skills, especially REST/JSON payloads. Brush up on how to manage authentication flows and optimise latency, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss complex technical issues you've diagnosed in previous roles. Think of specific scenarios where you had to dive into code or logs to troubleshoot problems. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to tackle challenges head-on, which is key for a Forward-Deployed Engineer.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to describe how you would guide a customer through an architecture design, so being clear and concise is essential. Role-play with a friend to refine your communication style.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest capabilities of the API Platform and its competitive positioning. Be ready to discuss how these trends can impact customer success and product development. Showing that you’re proactive about learning will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.