Head of Forward-Deployed AI & Data Engineering

Fdetimes; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering for NSW to lead a high-performing team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers. You will partner with ASX100 enterprises to migrate to the lakehouse and deploy next-generation AI systems.

You will set delivery governance, mentor engineers, and act as an executive escalation point to protect strategic relationships, delivering measurable business value from data investments.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of people leadership experience guiding technical delivery teams.
• 5+ years hands-on experience as a data/AI engineer or solutions architect.
• Proven track record of enterprise data platform migrations and AI/ML programs.
• Strong executive presence with stakeholder management at the C-suite.
• Familiarity with Databricks and modern data/AI ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers across NSW to deliver data and AI engagements.
• Partner with enterprise accounts to migrate to lakehouse and deploy generative AI, MLOps, and AI agents.
• Set delivery governance, quality standards, and drive measurable business impact.
• Mentor architects and engineers through career pathways and coaching.
• Act as executive escalation point for critical customer situations.

Skills

People leadership

AI engineering

Databricks familiarity

Executive presence

Stakeholder management

Tools

Databricks

Job description

Databricks is seeking a Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering for NSW to lead a high-performing team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers. You will partner with ASX100 enterprises to migrate to the lakehouse and deploy next-generation AI systems.

You will set delivery governance, mentor engineers, and act as an executive escalation point to protect strategic relationships, delivering measurable business value from data investments.