At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deploy AI integrations that transform enterprise operations.
- Company: Join Perplexity, a leader in innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in enterprises and solve real-world challenges.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering with strong Python skills.
Perplexity is building AI systems that integrate directly into how enterprises operate. Our API Platform powers search, retrieval, and automation across structured and unstructured data, while Perplexity Computer extends this into the execution of an AI system that navigates tools, interacts with applications, and completes multi-step workflows. Together, these platforms form a new integration layer, connecting models, data, and enterprise systems into end-to-end workflows.
We’re looking for Forward Deployed Engineers to work directly with customers to design and deploy these integrations in production. You’ll embed with teams, connect Perplexity into their existing stack, and build systems that automate real work.
Scope
- API Platform: integrating search, retrieval, and AI capabilities into enterprise systems
- Perplexity Computer: deploying agentic workflows that operate across tools, applications, and data
Why Join Us
Perplexity’s platforms are redefining how AI is integrated into enterprise operations. You’ll work on cutting-edge AI systems, building end-to-end workflows and integrations that solve real business problems at scale. This is a unique opportunity to influence both product and adoption, embed AI deeply in enterprise workflows, and shape the future of how organizations operationalize AI.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and deploy end-to-end integrations between Perplexity and enterprise systems (data platforms, internal tools, SaaS applications), translating business workflows into production-grade AI systems
- Work directly with customer teams to embed AI into existing processes, owning deployments from initial architecture through production rollout and ongoing optimization
- Develop and operationalize integrations using APIs, event-driven architectures, and workflow orchestration, including deploying Perplexity Computer for multi-step, agent-driven workflows across tools and environments
- Design and build production systems that combine retrieval, reasoning, and execution across enterprise environments, applying deep expertise in LLM capabilities, implementation patterns, and the AI stack to drive performance, security, and customer impact
- Debug and resolve issues across APIs, infrastructure, and external dependencies, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability in production
- Prototype new integration patterns and build reusable architectures that accelerate adoption across customers
- Partner with Sales and Product to unlock new use cases, drive expansion, and translate deployment learnings into product and platform improvements
What we’re looking for
- 5+ years of experience in software engineering, forward deployed engineering, solutions engineering, or similar roles, with a track record of building and shipping production systems in customer-facing environments
- Strong programming ability in Python (plus one of JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, etc.) with experience developing integrations, prototypes, and scalable applications
- Deep experience with APIs and distributed systems, including authentication, latency optimization, and debugging across complex, multi-system environments
- Production experience building LLM-powered systems, including prompt engineering, agent workflows, evaluation, and deploying AI systems at scale
- Proven ability to design and implement automated, end-to-end workflows that integrate across enterprise systems and replace manual processes
- High ownership and ability to operate in ambiguous environments, with strong system design, rapid prototyping skills, and end-to-end execution
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working cross-functionally and engaging both technical teams and executive stakeholders
Nice-to-Haves
- Experience with search systems, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or AI/ML APIs
- Background in developer tools, platform engineering, or high-scale/low-latency system design
- History of working at startups or small teams, owning customer projects end-to-end
- Experience with enterprise IT systems or AI deployment patterns in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, life sciences)
Compensation Range: $205K - $335K
Member of Technical Staff (Forward Deployed Engineer, Applied AI) employer: Perplexity
At Perplexity, we are at the forefront of AI integration in enterprise operations, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects that directly impact our customers' success, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our culture prioritises creativity and teamwork, ensuring that every employee can contribute to shaping the future of AI in business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Member of Technical Staff (Forward Deployed Engineer, Applied AI)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and integrations. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you tackle real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Forward Deployed Engineers and practice your answers. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience with APIs, workflows, and AI systems.
✨Tip Number 4
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 genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Member of Technical Staff (Forward Deployed Engineer, Applied AI)
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 AI systems, integrations, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in building production systems.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your programming prowess! Be sure to mention your expertise in Python and any other languages you’re comfortable with. Include specific examples of how you've used APIs and built scalable applications in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities:In your application, share instances where you've tackled complex issues or optimised workflows. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions, especially in ambiguous environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perplexity
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python and APIs. Brush up on your experience with distributed systems and LLM-powered systems, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've designed and deployed integrations or automated workflows. Highlight how you tackled challenges and what impact your solutions had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with how AI can transform enterprise operations. Be ready to discuss how you can help Perplexity’s customers integrate AI into their existing processes and the value it brings to their workflows.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working closely with customer teams, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
