Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) - Public Sector

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Databricks Inc. is looking for a Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) in Philadelphia to work closely with customers in building and delivering impactful solutions for their data and AI challenges. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for leading architecture and implementing end-to-end systems while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure customer success.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in data engineering, a deep understanding of Apache Spark, and the ability to lead technical projects effectively. Strong customer engagement and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable solutions are key to this role.

Qualifications

• 6+ years experience in data engineering, analytics, or software engineering.
• Deep experience with Apache Spark and distributed computing.
• Familiarity with CI/CD for production deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead impactful customer technical projects by delivering production-grade systems.
• Design and build reference architectures and custom applications.
• Guide customers on architecture and design.

Skills

Data engineering

Distributed computing with Apache Spark

Cloud ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP)

MLOps

Technical project delivery

Documentation and white-boarding

Job description

Sr. Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) – Public Sector

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job ID: CSQ227R88

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.

Overview

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

• 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.
• Collaborate with the Databricks technical team, Project Manager, Architect and Customer team to ensure technical components are delivered to meet customer needs.
• Work with Engineering and Databricks Customer Support to provide product and implementation feedback and 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.

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 that support the deployment and integration of Databricks‑based solutions to complete customer projects.
• Travel to customers 20% of the time.
• Databricks Certification is a plus.

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

We strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region, please visit the benefits page.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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 seeking 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 the Employer’s discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and the Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.