Forward Deployed Engineering - Senior Architect

Databricks; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer to work with customers to design, build and productionize data and AI solutions on the Databricks platform. You will own the architecture and deliver end-to-end systems across data engineering, ML/AI, and application development.

This hands-on, customer-facing role requires cloud experience (AWS/Azure/GCP), Spark expertise, and the ability to translate complex concepts into practical solutions. Travel 20% of the time is expected.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in data engineering, analytics, or software engineering.
• Experience with at least one major cloud provider (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Strong knowledge of Apache Spark and ML/AI model integration.
• Proven track record delivering enterprise-grade data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead production solution delivery by designing and building production-grade data/AI architectures and reference implementations.
• Guide transformational big data projects across end-to-end design, build, and deployment.
• Empower customers by mapping architecture choices to business value and adoption.
• Own the architecture and ensure secure, scalable solutions aligned with Databricks best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and customer teams to deliver required components.
• Provide product and implementation feedback to drive rapid resolution of issues.

Skills

Data engineering

Cloud computing

Apache Spark

MLOps

Architectural design

Client facing

Project delivery

CI/CD

Documentation

Tools

Databricks Platform

Job description

About Databricks

As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) you will work with customers to build and productionize solutions to their data & AI challenges using the Databricks platform. You will own the architecture, lead design decisions, and implement end-to-end systems spanning data engineering, AI, and application development. We work cross-functionally to shape long-term strategic priorities and initiatives alongside engineering, product, and developer relations. FDEs deliver with customer empathy, integrating with client systems, training, and other technical needs to help customers get most value out of their data.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing role for builders who thrive at the intersection of technology and business impact. The ideal candidate combines engineering expertise with adaptability, curiosity, and a passion for working with customers and teammates to solve complex problems that drive measurable outcomes. FDEs are billable and know how to complete projects according to specification with exceptional customer empathy.

The impact you will have:

• Production Solution Delivery: Lead impactful customer technical projects by delivering production-grade systems, designing and building reference architectures, custom applications and data ingestion and ML/AI model integration
• Transformational Impact: Guide strategic customers as they implement transformational big data projects including end-to-end design, build and deployment of industry-leading big data and AI applications. Work with engagement managers to scope technical delivery work with input from the customer
• Empower Customers: Guide customers on architecture and design; bootstrap or implement customer projects which leads to a customers' successful understanding, evaluation and adoption of Databricks.
• Own the Architecture: Lead architecture and design decisions, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned with both customer needs and Databricks best practices.
• Work with the Databricks technical team, Project Manager, Architect and Customer team to ensure the technical components of the engagement are delivered to meet customer's needs.
• Work with Engineering and Databricks Customer Support to provide product and implementation feedback and to guide rapid resolution for engagement specific product and support issues.
• Customer Immersion: Embed with customer teams, engaging with stakeholders from technical ICs to executives to deeply understand challenges and deliver impact.
• Reusable Assets & Scale: Contribute accelerators, frameworks, and best practices that scale impact across accounts and influence the Databricks product roadmap.

What we look for:

• 6+ years experience in data engineering, data platforms & analytics, or software engineering
• Working knowledge of two or more common Cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP) with expertise in at least one
• Deep experience with distributed computing with Apache Spark and knowledge of Spark runtime internals
• Familiarity with CI/CD for production deployments
• Working knowledge of MLOps, ML/AI models and AI APIs
• Design and deployment of performant production end-to-end data architectures and applications that combine data pipelines, ML/AI models, and user-facing interfaces.
• Experience with technical project delivery - managing scope, timelines and measurable outcomes, translating complex concepts into actionable solutions.
• Documentation and white-boarding skills.
• Experience working with enterprise clients and managing conflicts across a broad stakeholder range
• Build skills in technical areas, and demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and eagerness to explore new technologies which support the deployment and integration of Databricks-based solutions to complete customer projects.
• Travel to customers 20% of the time
• Databricks Certification

If access to export-controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.