At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical deployments, solve real-world manufacturing problems, and develop software solutions.
- Company: Join a pioneering company at the forefront of AI and industrial technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with minimal red tape and maximum autonomy.
- Why this job: Be the on-the-ground CTO, making impactful decisions in high-stakes environments.
- Qualifications: Strong programming skills and a background in engineering or computer science required.
- Other info: Expect to travel frequently to customer sites and work closely with cross-functional teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're working with a pioneering company at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and industrial technology. Their software is deployed in some of the most demanding environments in the world—helping major manufacturing operations run smarter, faster, and more reliably. Their systems make billions of dollars’ worth of decisions in real time, operating 24/7 in high-volume production environments. The work sits at the crossroads of AI, software engineering, and deep domain knowledge in physics, chemistry, and manufacturing.
Our client is a fast-moving, technically elite team that designs, builds, and deploys AI solutions directly on customer sites. They have a strong engineering culture focused on building products quickly and iteratively—often solving problems hands-on, in the field, without the red tape of traditional industrial software development. Their engineers spend significant time with customers, identifying pain points, prototyping solutions, and shipping to production—all with minimal process and maximum autonomy.
This is an amazing opportunity to work in a highly dynamic environment where you’ll lead technical deployments end-to-end. As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll act as the on-the-ground CTO—deeply understanding the customer’s environment and challenges, then designing, building, and deploying solutions using the latest in AI and software.
Key Responsibilities:- Identify and solve real-world problems rooted in manufacturing, operations, physics, and chemistry
- Develop and deploy software across the full tech stack—from data analysis and modelling to frontend/backend engineering
- Work closely with cross-functional teams both on-site and at HQ
- Rapidly iterate on prototypes and consolidate into robust production-grade tools
- Experience in a technical, hands-on role such as software engineer, data scientist, or AI engineer
- Strong programming skills (Python, C/C++, Go, TypeScript, or Java preferred)
- A background in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field
- A product-focused mindset and interest in delivering polished user experiences
- A desire to work primarily in-office and travel frequently (~25%) to customer sites
- Excellent communication skills and comfort working in dynamic, ambiguous environments
Contact Detail:
Vertex Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forward Deployed Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in AI and industrial technology. Understanding the current trends and challenges in these fields will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and AI sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-world problems you've solved in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your technical skills and how you've applied them in dynamic environments, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of a Forward Deployed Engineer.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company culture and values of our client. Understanding their focus on rapid prototyping and hands-on problem-solving will help you tailor your approach and show that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Forward Deployed Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Forward Deployed Engineer. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as programming languages and problem-solving in manufacturing contexts.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in software engineering, AI, or data science. Emphasise your hands-on technical skills and any projects that demonstrate your ability to solve real-world problems, especially in dynamic environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for AI and industrial technology. Discuss specific experiences where you've successfully deployed solutions in challenging environments and how you can contribute to the company's mission.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves working closely with customers, highlight your communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams or engaged with clients in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Search
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your programming experience in languages like Python, C/C++, or Java. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve developed software solutions, especially those that relate to manufacturing or AI.
✨Understand the Customer's Environment
Research the company and its clients to understand the challenges they face in manufacturing and operations. This will help you demonstrate your ability to empathise with customers and tailor solutions to their specific needs.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss real-world problems you've solved in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on experience and how you approached these challenges, particularly in dynamic environments.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand.