Forward Deployed Engineer — Dev Tools / Testing AI (Growth-stage)

Forward Deployed Engineer

Snapshot: $200K–$400K base + significant equity · San Francisco · On-site (5 days) · No visa sponsorship (H1B/TN transfers OK) · 3–8 yrs technical engineering

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client is a venture-backed AI company (~20 people, founded 2024–era, $20M raised) whose platform auto-generates and auto-maintains visual frontend browser tests — coverage unattainable with manual testing. As the first Forward Deployed Engineer in San Francisco, you'll establish the US FDE presence and define how the function operates from the ground up, working with AI-driven companies to deploy solutions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Architect and deploy solutions at scale across customer systems. Evolve core product features (including deep work on deterministic browser technology) to enable customer success. Own technical relationships with engineering leadership (VPs, Staff+ engineers). Guide product direction from field insights. Establish processes, tooling, and best practices for the growing FDE function.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

First 90 days: deploy with early customers and build credibility with engineering leaders. First year: establish the US FDE function, its playbook, and repeatable deployment practices.

MUST-HAVES

3–8 years in demanding technical engineering roles, ideally customer-facing; strong JavaScript/TypeScript, browser internals, CI/CD, web APIs, and testing infrastructure; ability to write code one day and present to engineering VPs the next.

NICE-TO-HAVES

Prior FDE / solutions-engineering experience; developer-tools or testing-infrastructure background.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$200K–$400K base (USD) plus significant equity.

LOCATION & WORK MODEL

On-site 5 days/week in San Francisco. Open to H1B/TN transfers.

HIRING PROCESS

Our team will walk you through the full interview process when we connect.

ABOUT THIS SEARCH

This is a confidential search managed by our recruiting team on behalf of our client. We've kept the company name off the posting — apply and we'll share full details and introduce you directly. We're an equal-opportunity partner and welcome applicants of all backgrounds; compensation reflects the role's posted range.