Forward Deployed Engineer – Applied AI & Search
Hybrid · Columbus, Indiana, United States
Job Summary
Embed on-site with a major manufacturing customer as the single accountable Forward Deployed Engineer, translating customer priorities into delivery plans and platform capabilities. Build production-grade components for an agentic orchestration platform (e.g., MCP servers, stateful sub-agents, deterministic agent skills), work across PLM and parts data (including Windchill), and optimize search and retrieval at enterprise scale. Lead architecture discussions, map complex data ecosystems, and ensure governance, HITL checkpoints, and security as you bridge Professional Services delivery with R&D. Strong emphasis on hands-on programming (Python, C#, TypeScript) and experience shipping AI-powered systems in real-world deployments, with deep experience in enterprise search, vector databases, and multi-agent workflows. The role requires on-site collaboration with a global manufacturing leader, flexibility for hybrid on-site/remote work at the customer HQ in the U.S. Midwest (Columbus, IN area), and sponsorship is not available.
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years in a highly technical, customer-facing role such as Forward Deployed Engineer, Solutions Engineer, or client-facing Software Engineer
- Hands-on experience with agentic platforms and agent orchestration
- Production programming in Python and C#, with TypeScript for front-end integration
- Shipped AI-powered systems in real-world deployments (prompt engineering, agent development, evaluation frameworks, deployment at scale)
- Experience with enterprise search engines, relevancy tuning, vector databases (Elasticsearch/OpenSearch/Pinecone)
- Experience building stateful multi-agent workflows, structured tool-calling and API integrations
- Manufacturing domain experience and PLM familiarity (PTC Windchill a plus)
- Strong communication skills with both developers and executives
- Ability to translate business priorities into delivery plans and platform outcomes
- Security and governance considerations, HITL checkpoints
- On-site engagement with customer stakeholders and delivery teams
- Ability to work in US-based centralized on-site role
- Relocation willingness
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