Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - Manufacturing

Databricks Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,656 - 248,360; Full time

Job summary

Databricks Inc. is looking for a Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) in Seattle, Washington. In this role, you will work directly with customers to implement solutions for their data and AI challenges using the Databricks platform. You're expected to own the architecture, drive design decisions, and oversee end-to-end systems.

Your role will involve leading impactful customer projects, guiding the implementation of transformational big data initiatives, and supporting teams to effectively integrate Databricks solutions. The ideal candidate has a strong background in data engineering and a passion for solving complex problems.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in data engineering, data platforms & analytics, or software engineering.
• Deep experience with distributed computing with Apache Spark and knowledge of Spark runtime internals.
• Experience working with enterprise clients and managing conflicts across a broad stakeholder range.

Responsibilities

• Lead impactful customer technical projects by delivering production-grade systems.
• Guide strategic customers in transforming big data projects.
• Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned with customer needs.

Skills

Data engineering

Cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Apache Spark™

CI/CD

MLOps

Technical project delivery

Education

Databricks Certification

Job description

Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - Manufacturing

Seattle, Washington

CSQ127R319

As a Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) you will work with customers to build and productionize solutions to their data & AI challenges using the Databricks platform. You will own the architecture, lead design decisions, and implement end-to-end systems spanning data engineering, AI, and application development. We work cross‑functionally to shape long‑term strategic priorities and initiatives alongside engineering, product, and developer relations. FDEs deliver with customer empathy, integrating with client systems, training, and other technical needs to help customers get the most value out of their data.

This is a hands‑on, customer‑facing role for builders who thrive at the intersection of technology and business impact. The ideal candidate combines engineering expertise with adaptability, curiosity, and a passion for working with customers and teammates to solve complex problems that drive measurable outcomes. FDEs are billable and know how to complete projects according to specification with exceptional customer empathy.

Impact you will have

• Production Solution Delivery: Lead impactful customer technical projects by delivering production‑grade systems, designing and building reference architectures, custom applications and data ingestion and ML/AI model integration.
• Transformational Impact: Guide strategic customers as they implement transformational big data projects including end‑to‑end design, build and deployment of industry‑leading big data and AI applications. Work with engagement managers to scope technical delivery work with input from the customer.
• Empower Customers: Guide customers on architecture and design; bootstrap or implement customer projects which leads to a customers' successful understanding, evaluation and adoption of Databricks.
• Own the Architecture: Lead architecture and design decisions, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned with both customer needs and Databricks best practices.
• Work with the Databricks technical team, Project Manager, Architect and Customer team to ensure the technical components of the engagement are delivered to meet customer's needs.
• Work with Engineering and Databricks Customer Support to provide product and implementation feedback and to guide rapid resolution for engagement specific product and support issues.
• Customer Immersion: Embed with customer teams, engaging with stakeholders from technical ICs to executives to deeply understand challenges and deliver impact.
• Reusable Assets & Scale: Contribute accelerators, frameworks, and best practices that scale impact across accounts and influence the Databricks product roadmap.

What we look for

• 6+ years experience in data engineering, data platforms & analytics, or software engineering.
• Working knowledge of two or more common Cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP) with expertise in at least one.
• Deep experience with distributed computing with Apache Spark™ and knowledge of Spark runtime internals.
• Familiarity with CI/CD for production deployments.
• Working knowledge of MLOps, ML/AI models and AI APIs.
• Design and deployment of performant production end‑to‑end data architectures and applications that combine data pipelines, ML/AI models, and user‑facing interfaces.
• Experience with technical project delivery – managing scope, timelines and measurable outcomes, translating complex concepts into actionable solutions.
• Documentation and white‑boarding skills.
• Experience working with enterprise clients and managing conflicts across a broad stakeholder range.
• Build skills in technical areas, and demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and eagerness to explore new technologies which support the deployment and integration of Databricks‑based solutions to complete customer projects.
• Travel to customers 20% of the time.
• Databricks Certification.

Pay Range

Pay Range Transparency

Zone 1 Pay Range: $180,656 — $248,360 USD

Zone 2 Pay Range: $180,656 — $248,360 USD

Zone 3 Pay Range: $180,656 — $248,360 USD

Zone 4 Pay Range: $180,656 — $248,360 USD

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.