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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on deployments of AI solutions in high-impact environments.
- Company: Join Windward, 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 with a tight-knit team solving real-world problems.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in software or devops engineering; strong coding skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage directly with users and deliver value quickly.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Windward
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. From intercepting dark fleet tankers to predicting supply chain disruptions, we enable confident, data-driven decisions.
The Role
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
Required Skills and Experience
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Why Windward
- 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
Forward Deployed AI Engineer employer: Windward
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 specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Python, JavaScript, and AWS. Having hands-on experience with these tools will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the maritime and AI communities online. Join forums or LinkedIn groups where professionals discuss trends and challenges in these fields. This can help you gain insights into the industry and potentially connect with current employees at Windward.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills through practical examples. Think of scenarios where you've successfully deployed software solutions in high-pressure environments, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of a Forward Deployed AI Engineer.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Windward's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their platform and how they transform unstructured data into actionable insights will allow you to speak knowledgeably about their work during interviews, showing your genuine interest in the company.
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. Familiarise yourself with Windward's mission and how your skills align with their needs.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in software engineering, particularly focusing on coding skills in Python, JavaScript, or similar languages. Emphasise any experience with data pipelines, APIs, and cloud infrastructure, especially AWS and Docker.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for maritime AI and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role. Mention specific projects where you've deployed software in high-pressure environments and how you’ve engaged with technical users.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to solve operational challenges. Highlight any experience you have working directly with end-users and how you’ve delivered value quickly in previous roles.
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 who can write clean, scalable production code, so brush up on your skills in Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript. You might be asked to solve a coding challenge or discuss your past projects.
✨Understand the Company and Its Mission
Familiarise yourself with Windward's platform and its impact on global trade and maritime operations. Understanding how their AI solutions help customers navigate risks will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Since this role involves hands-on deployments in complex environments, think of examples from your past experience where you successfully solved operational challenges. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations and the outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Windward values strong interpersonal skills, especially since you'll be working directly with technical users and analysts. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with teams in high-pressure situations.
