Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering

Rippling; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Rippling is seeking a Manager of Forward Deployed Engineering in San Francisco to lead a team of engineers in delivering high-impact solutions. This role requires experience in mentoring engineers, strong problem-solving skills, and a customer-centric mindset. You will ensure successful project implementations across multiple engagements while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, 5+ years in software development, and excellent communication abilities. The pay range for this role is from $138,000 to $230,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers.
• Proven ability to deliver complex technical projects in fast‑paced environments.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed (up to ~25%).
• 5+ years of software development experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of Forward Deployed Engineers.
• Ensure successful delivery of complex implementations across multiple projects.
• Improve team‑level processes, delivery consistency, and execution rigor.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to unblock execution.

Skills

Leadership in engineering

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Customer-centric mindset

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python

JavaScript

Ruby

Java

Go

C or C++

SQL

Job description

About this position

Rippling provides a single platform for HR, IT, and Finance. It brings together all workforce systems—payroll, expenses, benefits, computers—and allows companies to manage and automate every part of the employee lifecycle in one system.

As a Manager of Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) at Rippling, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for delivering high-impact, customized solutions for our customers. You will operate at the intersection of engineering, customer success, and product, ensuring your team consistently executes complex implementations with high quality and efficiency. This role is ideal for a hands‑on technical leader who thrives in fast‑paced environments, enjoys solving ambiguous real‑world problems, and develops strong engineering talent. You will be accountable for team delivery, operational excellence, and contributor growth across multiple concurrent customer engagements.

What you will do

• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of FDEs
  • Provide day‑to‑day guidance, mentorship, and coaching
  • Drive performance management, feedback, and career development
  • Build a strong team culture focused on ownership and customer impact
• Own execution across customer engagements
  • Ensure successful delivery of complex implementations across multiple projects
  • Maintain high standards for quality, reliability, and scalability
• Drive operational excellence
  • Improve team‑level processes, delivery consistency, and execution rigor
  • Manage resourcing, prioritization, and execution across concurrent engagements
  • Identify and resolve delivery bottlenecks and cross‑team dependencies
• Partner cross‑functionally to unblock execution
  • Collaborate with Account Management, Product, Engineering, and CX teams
  • Escalate and resolve issues impacting customer delivery
  • Ensure alignment between customer needs and product capabilities
• Engage directly with customers when needed
  • Support critical engagements and high‑priority accounts
  • Help scope solutions and guide technical decision‑making
  • Ensure strong customer outcomes and satisfaction
• Contribute to team hiring and growth
  • Participate in recruiting and onboarding new FDEs
  • Maintain a high bar for technical and customer‑facing talent

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 1–3+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers
• Proven ability to deliver complex technical projects in fast‑paced environments
• Strong problem‑solving skills with ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritize effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially in customer‑facing contexts
• Customer‑centric mindset with experience working directly with external stakeholders
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed (up to ~25 %)
• 5+ years of software development experience with proficiency in Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, Go, C or C++, SQL, and data modeling

Additional Information

Rippling is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Rippling is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities who need assistance during the hiring process. To request a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail].

Rippling highly values employees working in‑office to foster a collaborative work environment and company culture. For office‑based employees (employees who live within a defined radius of a Rippling office), working in the office, at least three days a week, is considered an essential function of the role.

Pay Range

The pay range for this role is: 138,000 – 230,000 USD per year (US Tier 1).