Forward Deployed Engineer

Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)LiveKit is seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) to work directly with customers building real-time communication and voice AI applications on the LiveKit platform.This role sits at the intersection of engineering, architecture, and customer implementation. Forward Deployed Engineers partner closely with customers to design systems, prototype solutions, and solve complex technical challenges as teams move from experimentation to production.You'll work alongside customers' engineering teams to help them successfully deploy and scale applications built on LiveKit — designing architectures, building integrations, debugging production issues, and developing reference implementations that demonstrate best practices.This is an ideal role for engineers who enjoy solving real-world problems in real customer environments. You'll collaborate closely with Product and Engineering to surface insights from customer implementations and help shape the future of the LiveKit platform.Your mission: make it seamless for developers to build and scale real-time audio, video, and AI applications on LiveKit.You'll Thrive Here If You:are obsessed with helping developers succeedare known as the go-to person for solving tricky technical issueswork hard and can move fast without sacrificing qualitycare deeply about polish, detail, and clear communicationare a fast learner, frequently picking up new tools, systems, and skillsWhat You'll DoWork directly (remotely or on-site when necessary) with customer engineering teams to design and implement real-time applications built on LiveKitDesign scalable architectures for voice AI, real-time media, and developer platform use casesBuild prototype integrations, reference implementations, and sample applications to accelerate customer developmentHelp customers navigate SDKs, APIs, infrastructure, and deployment strategies for production systemsDebug and troubleshoot complex technical issues in production environmentsLead technical workshops and architecture sessions with developers and product teamsTranslate customer needs into technical insights that inform product and platform developmentPartner with Product and Engineering to improve developer experience, documentation, and toolingContribute code, examples, or improvements to LiveKit's open-source ecosystem when helpfulAct as a trusted advisor helping customers successfully launch and scale applications on LiveKitWho You AreStrong engineering background with 7+ years of experience in backend or infrastructure engineeringProficient in one or more programming languages such as Go, Python, Node, Rust, or C++Comfortable working across APIs, SDKs, distributed systems, and cloud infrastructureExperience building or integrating developer platforms or real-time systemsAble to quickly understand complex systems and debug issues in real-world environmentsStrong communicator who can collaborate directly with customer engineering teams and internal product teamsComfortable operating in fast-paced, low-process environments where ownership and initiative matterExcited to work hands-on with customers solving complex technical implementation challengesNice to HaveExperience with WebRTC, real-time media systems, or telephony/SIP infrastructureFamiliarity with voice AI, conversational agents, or AI infrastructureExperience working in customer-facing engineering roles such as Solutions Engineer, Field Engineer, or Forward Deployed EngineerExperience contributing to open-source projects or developer ecosystemsPrevious experience building with or integrating LiveKitOur Commitment to YouAn opportunity to build something truly impactful to the worldContribute to open source alongside world-class engineersCompetitive salary and equity packageHealth, dental, and vision benefitsFlexible vacation policyWe are hiring across multiple levels (Forward Deployed Engineer, Senior FDE, and Staff FDE). Compensation will be determined by experience, technical depth, and interview performance.LiveKit is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.