Functional Forward Deployed Engineer

Functional Forward Deployed Engineer

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Transform manufacturing processes using AI and cloud technologies to drive innovation.
  • Company: Join TCS, a leading tech company making a real impact globally.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health care, and extensive training resources.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI in manufacturing and shape the future.
  • Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing operations and strong problem-solving skills required.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity in Value chain? We have an exciting role for you – Functional Forward Deployed Engineer (Manufacturing Value Chain).

Careers at TCS: It means more. TCS is a purpose-led transformation company, built on belief. We do not just help businesses to transform through technology. We support them in making a meaningful difference to the people and communities they serve - our clients include some of the biggest brands in the UK and worldwide. For you, it means more to make an impact that matters, through challenging projects which demand ambitious innovation and thought leadership.

Bring in your GCP Cloud Infra and Engineering skills to curate and engineer Cloud Resources and make their Cloud Adoption journey seamless. Identify areas of improvement and innovation harnessing your Google Cloud competencies to make services more Secure, reliant, self-serve and autonomous.

The Role: We're looking to recruit a Functional Forward Deployed Engineer (Manufacturing Value Chain) to act as the crucial bridge between traditional manufacturing business operations and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI). Applying a first-principles approach, your core objective is to deconstruct complex business processes down to their fundamental constraints (bottlenecks in time, cost, quality, decision-making) and solve them using applied AI. You will act as a key leader in our consulting organization, identifying, defining, and shaping AI interventions across the end-to-end manufacturing value chain—from New Product Introduction (NPI) to After-Sales.

Your responsibilities:

  • Value Chain Analysis & First-Principle Deconstruction: Enterprise Process Mapping, Constraint Breakdown, Cross-Functional AI Ideation, Feasibility Assessment.
  • Client Engagement & Solution Shaping: Stakeholder Management, Business Case Architecture, Workshop Facilitation.
  • Functional Solution Design: Requirements Translation, AI-Led Value Stream Redesign, KPI Definition.
  • Delivery & Implementation Orchestration: Cross-Functional Leadership, Change Management & Trust Building.

Essential skills/knowledge/experience:

  • Deep functional expertise in at least one or two core pillars of the manufacturing lifecycle (e.g., NPI, Supply Chain, Factory Operations, Commercial, or After-Sales).
  • Industry knowledge across one or more sectors, such as automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial machinery, or process and chemical manufacturing.
  • Systems-Thinking Mindset.
  • Familiarity with the enterprise technology stack relevant to your area (e.g., ERP, PLM, MES, SCADA, or CRM systems).
  • Strong conceptual understanding of AI/ML capabilities.
  • Ability to interpret data models, dashboards, and analytical outputs to drive business decisions.
  • Familiarity with data governance, data readiness assessments, and cloud-based analytics platforms.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate ambiguity in complex, matrixed enterprise environments.
  • Strong executive presence and communication skills.
  • Proven track record in consulting, digital transformation, or serving as an internal change agent within a product-centric organization.

Experience:

  • Strong experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain, commercial strategy, or relevant industrial IT consulting.
  • Good experience working on digital transformation, Industry 4.0, advanced analytics, or AI deployment projects.
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM) and how they intersect with digital tools.

TCS is consistently voted a Top Employer in the UK and globally. Our competitive salary packages feature pension, health care, life assurance, laptop, phone, access to extensive training resources and discounts within the larger Tata network. We offer health & wellness initiatives and sports events; we are the proud sponsor of the London Marathon.

Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing: Tata Consultancy Services UK&I is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of all individuals in accordance with the UK Equality Act 2010 and the UK Human Rights Act 1998. We welcome and embrace diversity in race, nationality, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, age, physical ability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer an interview to applicants with disabilities or long-term conditions who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Functional Forward Deployed Engineer employer: Tata Consultancy Services

At TCS Interactive, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions collaboration and creativity. As a Mid-Weight UX Designer, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills alongside talented professionals in a supportive environment, while contributing to impactful digital products that enhance user experiences. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with our focus on meaningful design, makes TCS Interactive a rewarding place to advance your career.

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Contact Details:

Tata Consultancy Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Functional Forward Deployed Engineer

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Tata Consultancy Services, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Functional Forward Deployed Engineer

GCP Cloud Infrastructure
AI/ML Capabilities
Value Chain Analysis
Enterprise Process Mapping
Stakeholder Management
Business Case Architecture
Workshop Facilitation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Tata Consultancy Services specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Consultancy Services

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Tata Consultancy Services, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Tata Consultancy Services value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.