Head of AI Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE), Public Sector

Databricks; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 232,900 - 320,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Inclusive work culture

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a leader for their AI Forward Deployed Engineering team in Virginia. This role involves managing a team focused on delivering cutting-edge AI solutions, fostering executive relationships, and driving strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science, experience in enterprise environments, and a passion for transforming the public sector with AI. Comprehensive benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion are core values at Databricks.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing and building high-performing teams in data science.
• Ability to scope and guide technical engagements in enterprise settings.
• Deep knowledge of ML and data science trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale the AI Forward Deployed Engineering team.
• Develop executive relationships and act as a trusted advisor.
• Align strategies with Field Engineering and Sales Leaders.

Skills

Team management

Technical expertise in ML and AI

Enterprise delivery success

Strategic alignment with executives

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline

Job description

CSQ227R77

PLEASE NOTE: Due to federal contract requirements and client site access obligations, an active U.S. government security clearance is required. The position is based in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia metropolitan area and includes periodic on‑site work and client collaboration. Candidates with an active secret or higher clearance are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mission

The Public Sector AI Forward Deployed Engineering (AI FDE) team is a highly specialized customer‑facing AI team at Databricks. We deliver professional services (PS) engagements to help our customers build and productionize first‑of‑its‑kind AI applications with a focus on GenAI. We work cross‑functionally to shape long‑term strategic priorities and initiatives alongside AI Product, Research, and Engineering.

Impact You Will Have

• Lead and scale a world‑class AI FDE team, including hiring, mentoring, and building a team structure to support long‑term growth and execution at scale.
• 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.
• Align with Field Engineering and Sales Leaders to define joint strategies for strategic accounts and ensure strong delivery coordination across functions.
• Lead strategic AI initiatives, practice development, and standardized delivery processes; design scalable engagement models and reusable solutions for repeatability across the global team.
• 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.
• Own OKRs for AI‑services led accounts, revenue, utilization, and public references.
• Represent Databricks as a thought leader in AI.

What We Look For

• Passion for transforming the public sector with data and AI.
• Extensive experience managing, hiring, and building a team of high‑performing data scientists/ML engineers and leaders, with a track record of scaling organizations through developing scalable processes and cultivating leaders.
• Ability to scope, guide, and sell technical engagements, manage escalations, and ensure successful delivery in enterprise environments.
• Deep technical expertise in ML, GenAI, and data science, and curiosity to continue to stay up‑to‑date in this ever‑changing field.
• Experience leading teams building cutting‑edge 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.
• Demonstrated experience in cross‑functional leadership roles, collaborating with Sales, Product, and GTM teams to drive business impact through AI.
• "Company‑first" mindset.
• Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Research, etc.) or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred

• Experience in a customer‑facing consulting or professional services leadership role.
• Experience working with Databricks.

Pay Range Transparency

Local Pay Range: $232,900—$320,200 USD.

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Compliance

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.