Senior Principal Forward Deployed Engineer

Atlassian; United States; Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

At Atlassian, a Senior Principal Forward Deployed Engineer will lead AI/ML-powered solutions for diverse customers, collaborating with product, engineering, and design teams. The role demands deep AI expertise, strong software engineering skills across Python and JavaScript, and experience deploying production-grade AI systems within enterprise environments.

As a forward-deployed leader, you will mentor other engineers, align technical work with business outcomes, navigate regulatory

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in backend software development.
• 5+ years building AI/ML solutions in production environments.
• Experience as a principal or forward-deployed engineer.
• Deep expertise in applied AI/ML, including generative AI, LLMs, and agent-based frameworks.
• Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, APIs, microservices, and enterprise integration.

Responsibilities

• Code across the entire Atlassian product suite.
• Lead design, development, and deployment of AI/ML-powered solutions using Rovo.
• Architect and implement robust application integrations using Python, JavaScript, or similar languages.
• Mentor Senior FDEs and engineers, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Oversee end-to-end deployment of AI solutions into production and ensure continuous improvement.

Skills

Backend development

AI/ML

API/microservices

Python

JavaScript

Cloud/enterprise integration

Tools

Python

JavaScript

Job description

Location: India

Working at Atlassian

Atlassians can choose where they work whether in an office, from home, or a combination of the two. That way, Atlassians have more control over supporting their family, personal goals, and other priorities. We can hire people in any country where we have a legal entity.

Your future team

As a Senior Principal Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) at Atlassian, you'll be at the forefront of applied AI, working directly with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, AI-powered solutions. The FDE team partners with top organizations across industries, helping them leverage Atlassian's AI capabilities to solve complex, real-world problems. You'll collaborate with product, engineering, and design, rapidly growing your technical and domain expertise while making a tangible impact on business outcomes. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for those who thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and are passionate about shaping the future of AI-powered teamwork.

To learn more, visit go.atlassian.com/fdeatlassian.

What you'll do

As a Senior Principal Forward Deployed Engineer, you will:

• Code contributes across the entire Atlassian product suite, providing exceptionally broad engineering exposure
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML-powered solutions using Rovo tailored to customer needs.
• Architect and implement robust application integrations using Python, JavaScript, or similar languages, with a focus on APIs, microservices, and enterprise-scale systems.
• Influence product direction by building with the customers, and realising the last mile papercuts they go through.
• Champion the adoption of AI-augmented workflow automation within customer environments, maximizing business value and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the end-to-end deployment of AI solutions into production, ensuring continuous evaluation, monitoring, and improvement.
• Navigate risk and compliance requirements, including AI risk assessment, data privacy (GDPR), and regulatory frameworks.
• Mentor and guide Senior FDEs and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, creating concise artifacts for peers, partners, and leadership.
• Align technical solutions with business objectives, setting a clear vision for technological progress and measurable results.

At Atlassian, we strive to design equitable, explainable, and competitive compensation programs. We follow consistent hiring practices and account for each candidate's skills, knowledge, and experience when setting base pay within the range.

This role may also be eligible for benefits, bonuses, commissions, and equity.

On the first day, we'll expect you to have:

• 15+ years of experience in backend software development, with at least 5 years in a principal/staff-level role.
• 5+ years of experience delivering impactful AI/ML solutions in production environments, including experience as a founding or forward-deployed engineer in 0-to-1 product development.
• Deep expertise in applied AI/ML, including generative AI, LLMs, and agent-based frameworks.
• Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, or similar languages, and experience with APIs, microservices, and enterprise integration.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems and thrive in rapidly changing environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience influencing cross-functional teams without formal authority.
• Experience with AI risk assessment, data privacy, and compliance (e.g., GDPR).
• Strategic and innovative thinking, with a track record of aligning technical solutions to business goals.

It's great, but not required, if you have:

• Experience with Atlassian Intelligence, Rovo AI, or AI-powered Atlassian features.
• Familiarity with regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare).
• Experience deploying AI solutions to complex production systems at scale.
• Prior experience mentoring or leading engineering teams.

Benefits & Perks

Atlassian offers a wide range of perks and benefits designed to support you, your family and to help you engage with your local community. Our offerings include health and wellbeing resources, paid volunteer days, and so much more. To learn more, visit go.atlassian.com/perksandbenefits.

About Atlassian

At Atlassian, we're motivated by a common goal: to unleash the potential of every team. Our software products help teams all over the planet and our solutions are designed for all types of work. Team collaboration through our tools makes what may be impossible alone, possible together.

We believe that the unique contributions of all Atlassians create our success. To ensure that our products and culture continue to incorporate everyone's perspectives and experience, we never discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

To provide you the best experience, we can support with accommodations or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Simply inform our Recruitment team during your conversation with them.

To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit go.atlassian.com/crh.

In line with local law, identity verification (which may include use of biometric data) is a condition of employment with Atlassian for employment fraud purposes.