Sr. Manager, AI Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE)

Cacheflow; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 233,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Sr. Manager to lead the AI Forward Deployed Engineering team, guiding enterprise AI transformations and shaping delivery across customers.

You will recruit and develop top AI/ML talent, collaborate with Product, R&D, and GTM, and own OKRs for strategic accounts across diverse industries.

Candidates should expect travel monthly; location flexibility is supported while prioritizing strong customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams of AI/ML scientists and engineers.
• Ability to scope, sell, and deliver technical engagements in enterprise environments.
• Strong depth in AI/ML foundations with architectural review capability.
• Proven track record shipping production AI solutions on cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale a high-performing AI Forward Deployed Engineering team.
• Influence product roadmaps and GTM strategy with voice-of-customer insights.
• Develop executive relationships with key customers and partners at VP+ level.
• Partner with Field Engineering and Sales to coordinate delivery across functions.
• Lead strategic AI initiatives, practice development, and scalable delivery processes.
• Own OKRs for AI-services led accounts, revenue, and references.
• Represent Databricks as a thought leader through talks and content.

Skills

AI/ML leadership

Executive communication

Enterprise engagements

Cloud platforms

Education

Graduate degree in quantitative field

Tools

Databricks

Job description

Sr. Manager, AI Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE)

FEQ227R363

Mission

The AI Forward Deployed Engineering (AI FDE) team is a highly specialized customer-facing AI team at Databricks. We deliver professional services engagements that help customers build and productionize first-of-its-kind GenAI applications, and we work cross-functionally with AI Product, Research, and Engineering to shape long-term strategic priorities.

We are looking for a world-class leader to lead and grow our AI FDE team. In this role, you will lead customers on their AI transformation with Databricks, push the boundaries of our product, recruit and develop top data scientists/machine learning engineers, and manage a portfolio of key accounts. Candidates should expect to travel at least once a month.

While candidates in the listed location(s) are encouraged for this role, candidates in other locations will be considered.

The impact you will have:

• Lead and scale a high-performing AI forward deployed engineering team, including hiring, mentoring, and building a team structure to support long-term growth and execution at scale
• Shape cross-functional collaboration by influencing Product, R&D, and GTM, ensuring voice-of-customer insights and delivery learnings help inform the product roadmap and GTM strategy
• Develop and expand executive relationships with key customers and partners (including VP+, CIO/CDO-level stakeholders), acting as a trusted advisor during complex technical engagements and AI transformations
• Partner with Field Engineering and Sales leadership to set strategy for strategic accounts and coordinate delivery across functions
• Lead strategic AI initiatives, practice development, and scalable delivery processes
• Own OKRs for AI-services led accounts, revenue, utilization, and public references
• Represent Databricks as a thought leader in AI through conference talks, published content, etc.

What we look for:

• Experience building and managing high-performing teams of AI/ML scientists, engineers, and leaders
• Ability to scope, sell, and deliver technical engagements in enterprise environments, including managing escalations and ensuring successful customer outcomes
• Strong, current technical depth in AI/ML foundations, with the ability to contribute meaningfully in architecture reviews and the curiosity to stay current as the field evolves
• Experience leading teams that have shipped production AI solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Proven success developing strategy with senior executive stakeholders to define program-level goals, align technical vision, and build trust throughout complex enterprise engagements
• Experience driving AI transformation across enterprise customers, spanning applied AI product management, organizational change management, and stakeholder alignment
• Experience working across Sales, Product, and GTM to connect AI delivery to business outcomes
• Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Research, etc.) or equivalent practical experience

Preferred:

• Experience in a customer-facing leadership role
• Experience working with Databricks

Pay Range Transparency

Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected salary range for non-commissionable roles or on-target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipates utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above. For more information regarding which range your location is in visit our page here.

Local Pay Range

$232,900—$320,200 USD

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide — including adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and 70% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data + AI Platform to build and scale data and AI apps, analytics and agents. Headquartered in San Francisco with 30+ offices around the globe, Databricks offers a unified platform that includes Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

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.