Databricks
Senior Forward Deployed Engineer - Senior Architect
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Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)
Req ID: CSQ127R149 Location: London, United Kingdom – Hybrid Recruiter: Dina Hussain
We’re hiring for multiple roles within our FDE (Forward Deployed Engineer) team.
About the Role
As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you will:
- Partner with customers to build and productionize data and AI solutions using the Databricks platform.
- Own the architecture, lead design decisions, and implement end-to-end systems—spanning data engineering, AI, and application development.
- Work cross-functionally to shape strategic priorities with engineering, product teams, and developer relations.
- Focus on delivering customer value through solution design, system integration, training, and tailored technical guidance.
This hands-on, customer-facing role is for technical builders who thrive at the intersection of technology and business impact. You’ll combine engineering expertise with adaptability, curiosity, and a passion for collaborating with customers and teams to solve complex problems that drive measurable outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Production Solution Delivery
- Lead impactful customer projects by:
- Delivering production-grade systems
- Designing reference architectures
- Building custom applications
- Integrating data ingestion and ML/AI models
- Ensure projects align with specifications and are delivered with exceptional customer empathy (bilingable role).
Transformational Impact
- Guide strategic customers through big data initiatives via:
- End-to-end design, build, and deployment of AI and data applications
- Collaboration with engagement managers to scope technical delivery (aligned with customer needs)
Empower Customer Success
- Assist customers in:
- Architecture and design decisions
- Bootstrapping or implementing projects to accelerate adoption of Databricks solutions
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Architecture & Technical Leadership
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Lead architecture reviews, design decisions, and trade-offs that ensure:
- Solutions are secure, scalable, and Databricks-optimized
- Alignment with customer priorities and best practices
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Collaborate closely with:
- Databricks technical leads
- Project managers
- Customer success
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Partner with:
- Databricks Engineering & Support to refine product feedback and rapidly resolve engagement-specific issues
Customer Immersion & Collaboration
- Embed with teams (technical and leadership) to:
- Deeply understand challenges
- Deliver solutions that extend value beyond immediate deliverables
Reusable Assets & Product Impact
- Create accelerators, frameworks, and best practices that:
- Scale impact across multiple accounts
- Influence the Databricks product roadmap
Requirements
Expertise & Experience
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Experience in data engineering, data platforms/analytics, or software engineering (full-stack development).
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Proficient in one or more of:
- Python, Scala, JavaScript/TypeScript
- Modern frameworks for end-to-end data integrations.
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Strong understanding of two+ cloud ecosystems (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP*), with hands-on experience in at least one.
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Deep expertise with distributed computing, including:
- Apache Spark™ (runtime internals).
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Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for production deployments.
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Working knowledge of MLOps, machine learning/AI models, and third-party AI APIs.
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Production-grade experience in:
- Big data architecture
- Data pipelines
- AI-backed application development
- Hybrid systems requiring integration with software and networking layers
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Core Competencies
- Technical Delivery
- Managing scope, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
- Translating complex scenarios into actionable solutions.
- Documentation & Collaboration
- Technical documentation.
- Whiteboard diagramming.
- Enterprise Engagement
- Working with multinational enterprise clients.
- Managing cross-functional stakeholders and conflicts.
Personal Traits
- Continuous learning: Eager to explore new technologies—especially those that streamline or enhance Databricks-based solutions.
- Travel: Will be required to visit customer sites 20% of the time.
- Bonus: Databricks Certification is beneficial.
About Databricks
Databricks is the leading data and AI platform, trusted by:
- Over 10,000 global organizations (50%+ of Fortune 500)
- Companies like Comcast, Grammarly, and Condé Nast.
Founded by the creators of Apache Spark, Delta Lake, Lakehouse, MLflow, and headquartered in San Francisco with a global presence. For more, visit @databricks, LinkedIn, Facebook.
Benefits & Culture
At Databricks, we foster a comprehensive benefits package and mission-driven workplace. Check [here] for region-specific perks.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
All aspects of employment at Databricks comply with equal opportunity standards. We consider candidates on their qualifications and welcome diverse backgrounds regardless of:
- Age, color, disability
- Ethnicity, family status
- Gender identity/expression
- Language, national origin
- Religion, sexual orientation
- Veteran status
- Other protected characteristics
Production Note: Compliance with export-controlled technology may impact eligibility—we reserve discretion in processing applications accordingly.
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