[Hiring] Senior Forward Deployed AI Engineer @Smartsheet

Role Description

You independently lead the most complex AI deployments Smartsheet undertakes. You own the full engagement lifecycle from technical discovery through production deployment through solutions org handoff. You architect multi-agent solutions, design client-personalized MCP resource packs, and build the Deployment Kits that transform how 200+ solutions consultants and partners operate. You mentor junior FDEs, drive the intelligence loop, and present field findings at weekly Applied AI strategy sessions. You are building a function, not filling a role.

What You Will Do

• Lead complex, multi-system AI deployments end-to-end scope, architect, build, validate, and manage the customer relationship throughout.
• Own the AI workshop program for your pod, customize modules per customer, lead technical sessions, translate outputs into production requirements, evolve content from field learning.
• Architect multi-agent solutions selecting the right coordination pattern for each customer’s workflow characteristics and compliance requirements.
• Design client-specific and industry-specific MCP resource packs that serve personalized intelligence from the server so every connected AI surface gets smarter for that customer automatically.
• Own Deployment Kit quality for your pod. If a kit is not documented well enough for a solutions consultant with no engineering background to follow, it isn’t done.
• Lead Solutions Enablement Sprints: transfer AI deployment patterns to solutions consultants and partners with training materials and certification criteria.
• Drive the intelligence loop: author strategic memos, present field findings weekly, contribute Agent Bricks and Skills, file RFCs for platform improvements.
• Mentor junior FDEs on customer engagements, code reviews, and Deployment Kit quality.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years production software engineering, including 3+ years deploying AI/ML to production.
• Deep Python; strong TypeScript/JavaScript.
• Proven track record leading complex enterprise technical engagements.
• Managed customer relationships, navigated security reviews, and delivered production systems organizations depend on.
• Deep production LLM experience: multi-agent orchestration, MCP/tool-use, RAG optimization, evaluation frameworks, agent deployment at scale.
• System architecture expertise spanning enterprise systems, cloud infrastructure, and AI services explainable to a CIO and a junior engineer.
• Demonstrated ability to create reusable technical assets that others use in production.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to travel approximately 25–50% of the time.
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis.
• BS or MS in Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Requirements

• Experience founding or scaling an FDE/solutions engineering function (Nice to Have).
• Technical founder background. Databricks, AWS Bedrock, or Temporal experience (Nice to Have).
• Deep domain knowledge in healthcare, financial services, or government (Nice to Have).
• Agent framework contributions (Strands SDK, LangChain, open-source MCP servers) (Nice to Have).

Benefits

• Medical/vision and dental coverage options for full-time employees.
• 401k Match to help you save for your future (50% of your contribution up to the first 6% of your eligible pay).
• Monthly stipend to support your work and productivity.
• Flexible Time Away Program, plus Sick Time Off.
• US employees are automatically covered under Smartsheet-sponsored life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability plans.
• US employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.
• Up to 24 weeks of Parental Leave.
• Personal paid Volunteer Day to support our community.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development including access to Udemy online courses.
• Company Funded Perks, including a counseling membership, local retail discounts, and your own personal Smartsheet account.
• Teleworking options from any registered location in the U.S. (role specific).
• Competitive base salary range for roles that may be hired in different geographic areas.
• US Base Salary Pay Range: $227,500 — $245,000 USD.