SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — In a uniquely San Francisco case of mistaken identity that’s now stretched on for several months, I’ve continually been mistaken for an AI software engineer with a similar name. The awkward mix-up has led to inbound calls and emails from tech industry headhunters in the market for a forward deployed engineer.
In case you’re not familiar with what that is, you’re not alone. I had to look it up myself.
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What is a forward deployed engineer (FDE)?
According to the GeeksforGeeks website, a forward deployed engineer is “a software engineer who works directly with customers to implement, customize, and optimize complex technical systems.”
“Unlike traditional backend or product engineers, FDEs operate at the intersection of engineers and real-world deployment,” the description continues. “They ensure that software solutions integrate seamlessly into a client’s workflows, infrastructure, and business processes.”
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It’s a skill, as I understand it, that’s increasingly in demand as artificial intelligence reshapes the tech industry landscape.
How much does a forward deployed engineer make?
OK, here’s the kicker. The base salary for a forward deployed engineer in San Francisco is $192,922, according to Indeed. On the high end, an FDE can make well upwards of $300K in SF.
Wow, did I pick the wrong career?
Maybe?
General consensus has it that we’re in a “no hire, no fire” job market, or at least a “no hire” one, given the ramp-up in tech layoffs this year. But that doesn’t seem to be the case if you have the right skill set. A quick LinkedIn search for “forward deployed software engineer” in the SF Bay Area revealed three dozen pages of results…