Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - Public Sector

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

Job summary

Databricks Inc. is seeking a Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) in Atlanta, Georgia. This hands-on role connects technology with business impact by engaging directly with customers to implement data solutions on the Databricks platform. Candidates must have at least 6+ years of relevant experience, particularly in data engineering and distributed computing.

Responsibilities include leading technical projects, guiding clients in big data applications, and ensuring solutions align with best practices. A critical aspect of this role is the ability to adapt in customer-facing environments. Competitive compensation and a commitment to diversity are highlighted.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead impactful customer technical projects by delivering production-grade systems.
• Guide customers on architecture and design of big data projects.
• Coordinate with Databricks technical team to ensure engagement success.
• Embed with customer teams to deeply understand challenges.

Skills

Data engineering

Cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Distributed computing (Apache Spark)

MLOps and AI APIs

Technical project delivery

Documentation and white-boarding

Education

Databricks Certification

Job description

Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - Public Sector

Atlanta, Georgia

U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a U.S. government secret clearance are required to access classified information. Candidates with an active Secret or higher clearance are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Guide customers on architecture and design; bootstrap or implement customer projects which leads to a customers’ successful understanding, evaluation and adoption of Databricks.
• 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.
• Embed with customer teams, engaging with stakeholders from technical ICs to executives to deeply understand challenges and deliver impact.
• Contribute accelerators, frameworks, and best practices that scale impact across accounts and influence the Databricks product roadmap.

Qualifications

• 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 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

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region, click here.

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.