Databricks
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
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Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) – Data & AI Solutions (Hybrid, London)
Req ID: CSQ127R149 Location: London, United Kingdom – Hybrid Recruiter: Dina Hussain
About the Role
We are hiring for multiple roles within our Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) team. As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you will collaborate closely with customers to design, build, and productionize data & AI solutions using the Databricks platform. You will lead architecture and design decisions, implement end-to-end systems spanning data engineering, AI, and application development, and work cross-functionally to shape strategic priorities with engineering, product, and developer relations teams.
This is a hands-on, customer-facing role for builders who thrive at the intersection of technology and business impact. You’ll combine deep engineering expertise with adaptability and a passion for working with both customers and teammates to solve complex problems with measurable outcomes. Billable FDEs must also deliver projects to specification while demonstrating exceptional customer empathy.
Key Responsibilities
You will ensure customers derive maximum value from their data investments through:
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Production Solution Delivery
- Lead customer technical projects, delivering end-to-end production-grade systems.
- Design and build reference architectures, custom applications, data ingestion pipelines, and ML/AI model integrations.
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Transformational Impact
- Guide strategic customers through big data and AI transformations—from design to deployment.
- Assist engagement managers in scoping technical delivery work while incorporating customer feedback.
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Empower Customers
- Support customers in architecture and design decisions.
- Bootstrap or implement projects that lead to adoption of Databricks solutions.
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Own the Architecture
- Lead architecture and design calls to ensure solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned with both customer needs and Databricks best practices.
- Work closely with:
- Databricks technical teams
- Project Managers
- Architects
- Customer teams to deliver and align on technical requirements.
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Feedback & Support
- Engage with Databricks Engineering and Customer Support to provide product/implementation feedback.
- Support rapid resolution of engagement-specific product/support issues.
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Customer Immersion
- Deeply immerse yourself in customer teams—engaging with technical leads, executives, and stakeholders to understand needs and drive impact.
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Reusable Assets & Scale
- Contribute to frameworks, accelerators, and best practices that scale impact across customer accounts.
- Influence Databricks’ product roadmap with real-world insights.
What We Look For
Technical & Professional Background
- Proven experience in:
- Data engineering
- Data platforms & analytics
- Software engineering / full-stack development
- Strong coding skills in:
- Python
- Scala
- JavaScript/TypeScript
- Familiarity with modern frameworks
- Hands-on knowledge of:
- At least two Cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP) with deep expertise in one.
- Distributed computing, especially Apache Spark™ (runtime internals preferred).
- Practical experience with:
- CI/CD for production deployments
- MLOps
- ML/AI models & APIs
- Ability to:
- Design, build, and deploy high-performance & scalable end-to-end data architectures.
- Combine data pipelines, ML/AI models, and user-facing applications.
Leadership & Execution
- Strong track record of technical project delivery, including:
- Managing scope, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
- Translating complex technical concepts into actionable solutions.
- Strong documentation and whiteboarding skills.
- Experience working with enterprise clients and managing conflicts across stakeholders.
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Key Traits
- Curiosity – Keen to explore new technologies relevant to Databricks-based projects.
- Adaptability – Thrives in dynamic environments to deliver innovative solutions.
- Customer Focus – Prioritizes empathy and business outcomes while executing projects.
- Willingness to travel – 20% of time required for on-site collaboration.
Plus Points
- Databricks Certification (not mandatory but advantageous).
About Databricks
Databricks is the leading data and AI company, helping over 10,000 organizations (including Comcast, Condé Nast, Grammarly, and half the Fortune 500) unlock value from their data through the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. Founded by the creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark™, Delta Lake, and MLflow, Databricks fosters a global culture of innovation.
Benefits
At Databricks, we prioritize employee well-being with comprehensive benefits adaptable to your region: Click here to explore regional benefits.
Our Culture & Inclusion Commitment
We champion a diverse, inclusive, and equitable team, ensuring all employees thrive regardless of:
- Age
- Color
- Disability
- Ethnicity
- Family/marital status
- Gender identity/expression
- Language
- National origin
- Mental/physical ability
- Political affiliation
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Socio-economic status
- Veteran status
Join us in building a congruent, supportive workplace for all.
Compliance Note
If export-controlled technology or source code access is required for job duties, the Employer reserves the right to apply for U.S. government licenses (or decline relevant applicants).
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