Forward Deployed Engineer

Zendesk, Inc.; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Zendesk, Inc. is looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) to lead deployments of AI Agents and custom integrations. You will closely collaborate with strategic clients, solving high-stakes technical challenges, and ensuring technology delivers ROI.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of coding experience, proficiency in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript, and a full-stack mindset. This role requires excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the LLM ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience writing production-grade code.
• Proficient in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript; familiarity with Ruby or Java is a plus.
• Comfortable with React-based UIs, REST/GraphQL APIs, and AWS.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end deployments of Zendesk’s AI Agents and workflows.
• Remove technical blockers for escalations outside standard support.
• Work with clients to design and code custom integrations.

Skills

Production-grade code writing

Python proficiency

JavaScript/TypeScript proficiency

Full-stack mindset

LLM ecosystem understanding

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Position Overview

Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) – AI & SolutionsAs a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you are part of an elite technical hybrid—part software engineer, part strategic consultant. You don't just sell the dream; you build the reality. You will be embedded with our most strategic customers to solve their most complex, high‑stakes technical blockers. Whether it’s architecting a multi‑layered AI agent, building custom data pipelines for Zendesk, or integrating our AI capabilities into a legacy tech stack, you are the "boots on the ground" builder who ensures our technology delivers measurable ROI.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex end‑to‑end deployments of Zendesk’s AI Agents and LLM‑powered workflows, owning the discovery, technical scoping, system design, and production rollout.
• Remove technical blockers and act as the final line of defense for complex technical escalations outside the scope of standard Support or Professional Services.
• Work directly with strategic clients to design and code custom integrations and agents, personally writing critical code, configuring RAG architectures, and ensuring seamless integration with legacy tech stacks.
• Bridge the gap between the customer’s IT team and Zendesk’s core Product/Engineering teams, turning customer friction into product roadmap features.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience writing production‑grade code.
• Proficiency in Python (for AI/Data) and JavaScript/TypeScript (for frontend/integrations); familiarity with Ruby or Java (Zendesk’s core) is a plus.
• Full‑stack mindset: comfortable navigating the entire stack—from React‑based UIs to REST/GraphQL APIs, cloud infrastructure (AWS) and Metaflow.
• Deep understanding of the LLM ecosystem: evaluate model performance, manage context windows, and implement guardrails for enterprise‑grade AI.
• Excellent communication skills: explain complex architectural trade‑offs to a CTO while simultaneously pair‑programming with a customer’s lead developer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Zendesk and AI Agents.
• Background in FDE, Professional Services or Technical Account Management implementing complex systems.
• Ability to travel 25‑50% of the time, as needed to customer sites.

Compensation

The US annualized OTE (On Target Earnings) range for this position is $200,000.00‑$300,000.00 with a pay mix of 80/20 (base/commission). This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. The compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only (or OTE for commissions based roles), and do not include bonus, benefits, or related incentives.

EEO Statement

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please consult our internal resources. Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] with your specific accommodation request.