Sr. Manager, AI Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE)
Databricks · Remote - California · Field Engineering - Indirect · listed September 11, 2026
The shape of it
Seniority
Manager
Where
Remote
Stated pay
$232,900 – $320,200 USD
Requirements listed
8
Length
794 words
In the posting’s own words
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.
What it asks for · 8
- 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
Also a plus
- Experience in a customer-facing leadership role
- Experience working with Databricks
What the job covers
- 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.
Degree language
- Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Research, etc.) or equivalent practical experience
Tools and skills named
Data
- Databricks4×
- Statistics
Cloud & infra
- AWS
- Azure
- GCP
Go to market
- Go-to-market3×
Models & research
- Machine learning3×
Product & design
- Product management
- Roadmap
Ways of working
- Cross-functional
- Mentorship
Words the posting leans on
- experience7×
- engineering6×
- product6×
- customers5×
- delivery4×
- engagements4×
- lead4×
- technical4×
- accounts3×
- deployed engineering3×
- enterprise3×
- forward deployed3×
- gtm3×
- leader3×
- stakeholders3×
- strategic3×
Counted from the posting after the mission statement and the legal notices are set aside. The ones near the top are the ones a screener is looking for.
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