AI Forward-Deployed Engineering Lead

Databricks; California (MO); On-site; USD 233,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Sr. Manager of AI Forward Deployed Engineering to lead and grow the AI FDE team, guiding AI transformations for key customers and shaping product strategy with cross-functional partners.

This role requires recruiting top data scientists and ML engineers, managing a portfolio of high-impact accounts, and traveling as needed. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading AI/ML teams, delivering production AI solutions in cloud environments, and partnering with

Qualifications

• Experience building and managing high-performing teams of AI/ML scientists, engineers, and leaders.
• Ability to scope, sell, and deliver technical engagements in enterprise environments, including managing escalations and ensuring successful customer outcomes.
• Strong, current technical depth in AI/ML foundations, with the ability to contribute meaningfully in architecture reviews and the curiosity to stay current as the field evolves.
• Experience leading teams that have shipped production AI solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Proven success developing strategy with senior executive stakeholders to define program-level goals, align technical vision, and build trust throughout complex enterprise engagements.
• Experience driving AI transformation across enterprise customers, spanning applied AI product management, organizational change management, and stakeholder alignment.
• Experience working across Sales, Product, and GTM to connect AI delivery to business outcomes.
• Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Research, etc.) or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale a high-performing AI forward deployed engineering team, including hiring, mentoring, and building a team structure to support long-term growth and execution at scale.
• Shape cross-functional collaboration by influencing Product, R&D, and GTM, ensuring voice-of-customer insights and delivery learnings help inform the product roadmap and GTM strategy.
• Develop and expand executive relationships with key customers and partners (including VP+, CIO/CDO-level stakeholders), acting as a trusted advisor during complex technical engagements and AI transformations.
• Partner with Field Engineering and Sales leadership to set strategy for strategic accounts and coordinate delivery across functions.
• Lead strategic AI initiatives, practice development, and scalable delivery processes.
• Own OKRs for AI-services led accounts, revenue, utilization, and public references.
• Represent Databricks as a thought leader in AI through conference talks, published content, etc.

Job description

Databricks is seeking a Sr. Manager of AI Forward Deployed Engineering to lead and grow the AI FDE team, guiding AI transformations for key customers and shaping product strategy with cross-functional partners.

This role requires recruiting top data scientists and ML engineers, managing a portfolio of high-impact accounts, and traveling as needed. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading AI/ML teams, delivering production AI solutions in cloud environments, and partnering with