Head of Forward Deployed Engineering — Data & AI

Databricks; Maryland; On-site; USD 211,800 - 291,300; Full time

Job summary

Databricks, based in the Washington, DC metro area with programs across MD/VA, seeks a Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering to lead a high‑performing team delivering mission‑critical data and AI solutions for strategic customers. You will oversee delivery, shape architectures, and promote best practices across large‑scale data migrations, AI/ML platforms, and generative AI initiatives.

This role requires strong leadership, deep technical credibility, and the ability to collaborate with

Qualifications

• 4+ years of people leadership experience in technical delivery.
• 5+ years as a technical solutions architect or data/AI engineer.
• Proven experience leading enterprise data platform migrations and AI programs.
• Strong project management and SOW governance skills.
• Ability to travel ~20% to client sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing Forward Deployed Engineering team delivering mission-critical data/AI solutions.
• Partner with enterprise customers and internal stakeholders to scope and deliver PS programs.
• Establish governance, risk, and quality standards for engagements.
• Mentor engineers and drive career growth within the team.
• Contribute to roadmap feedback and reusable accelerators.

Skills

People leadership

Technical solutions architect

Data/AI engineering

Stakeholder management

Databricks ecosystem

Tools

Databricks

Apache Spark

MLflow

Delta Lake

Job description

Databricks, based in the Washington, DC metro area with programs across MD/VA, seeks a Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering to lead a high‑performing team delivering mission‑critical data and AI solutions for strategic customers. You will oversee delivery, shape architectures, and promote best practices across large‑scale data migrations, AI/ML platforms, and generative AI initiatives.

This role requires strong leadership, deep technical credibility, and the ability to collaborate with