Forward Deployed Engineer

Forward Deployed Engineer (AI Applications & Modernization)

Austin, TX | Hybrid (3 Days Onsite / 2 Days Remote)

CornerStone Technology Talent Services is seeking a highly experienced Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) to join a high-impact modernization initiative focused on AI, cloud engineering, software development, automation, and enterprise transformation. This role is ideal for a hands-on technologist who enjoys working directly with business stakeholders, architects, security teams, and engineering organizations to solve complex challenges through modern technology. You'll operate at the intersection of software engineering, AI, cloud-native architecture, DevSecOps, automation, and digital transformation—rapidly designing, building, and deploying solutions that create measurable business value.

We are looking for engineers who can move seamlessly from strategy to execution, translate emerging technologies into practical solutions, and help organizations modernize while maintaining flexibility, security, and scalability.

Highlights

• 8+ years of hands-on software engineering experience delivering enterprise applications from architecture through production deployment.
• Deep expertise building cloud-native applications, APIs, integrations, and automation solutions across modern cloud environments.
• Strong experience with AI-enabled development, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agentic workflows, and intelligent automation.
• Proven ability to rapidly prototype, deploy, and scale modern applications that solve complex business challenges.
• Expertise with TypeScript/JavaScript, Python, and/or C# development technologies.
• Extensive experience implementing DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and containerized deployments.
• Strong understanding of enterprise security frameworks, Zero Trust principles, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success working directly with stakeholders to identify opportunities, gather requirements, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Experience evaluating technologies objectively based on security, scalability, interoperability, operational maturity, and business value.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences.

Work Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy modern applications, APIs, integrations, automation solutions, and AI-enabled workflows.
• Develop cloud-native architectures that support scalability, security, reliability, and long-term maintainability.
• Build rapid prototypes and transform concepts into production-ready solutions.
• Evaluate and implement AI technologies, LLM platforms, and intelligent automation capabilities based on business needs and technical requirements.
• Create secure integrations between enterprise systems, cloud platforms, data sources, and AI services.
• Implement DevSecOps pipelines utilizing CI/CD automation, Infrastructure as Code, and container orchestration technologies.
• Develop reusable engineering frameworks, accelerators, components, and development standards.
• Partner directly with stakeholders to gather requirements and convert business needs into working software solutions.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts, root-cause analysis, and resolution of complex production issues.
• Mentor development teams and provide technical leadership, coaching, and knowledge transfer.
• Produce architecture documentation, operational runbooks, implementation guidance, and technical recommendations.
• Identify high-value automation opportunities and deliver solutions that improve operational efficiency and business outcomes.
• Promote modern engineering practices while helping organizations adopt emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering experience.
• 8+ years of experience working with modern cloud platforms and cloud-native architectures.
• Strong proficiency with TypeScript/JavaScript, Python, and/or C#.
• Experience building applications using React, Angular, Web Components, or similar modern UI frameworks.
• Extensive experience integrating APIs, enterprise platforms, data services, and third-party solutions.
• Experience building and deploying applications using GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or comparable CI/CD platforms.
• Strong knowledge of Infrastructure as Code including Terraform, Bicep, ARM, CloudFormation, or similar technologies.
• Experience extending and integrating enterprise platforms such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, Appian, or related systems.
• Strong understanding of enterprise security, governance, compliance, and Zero Trust architecture principles.
• Ability to assess when custom development, low-code, or automation platforms are the most appropriate solution.
• Proven success delivering enterprise solutions from design through deployment.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field; equivalent experience considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving in a Forward Deployed Engineer, Solutions Engineer, Technical Consultant, Field Engineer, or similar client-facing technical role.
• Experience designing and implementing AI-powered applications and enterprise AI workflows.
• Knowledge of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agentic systems, prompt management, model evaluation, and responsible AI practices.
• Experience working within highly regulated industries, public sector organizations, healthcare, financial services, or large enterprise environments.
• Multi-cloud architecture experience across Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud Platform.
• Experience building reusable platforms, developer tooling, shared services, or modernization frameworks.
• Knowledge of Kubernetes, container orchestration, and platform engineering best practices.
• Experience leading digital transformation or enterprise modernization initiatives.

Preferred Certifications

• AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Certifications
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
• CISSP, CCSP, or CISM
• TOGAF Certification
• Scrum Master or SAFe Certification
• Terraform, HashiCorp, DevOps, Platform Engineering, or AI-related Certifications

CornerStone Technology Talent Services partners with organizations driving large-scale modernization, cloud transformation, AI adoption, and enterprise innovation initiatives. We connect highly skilled technology professionals with opportunities where they can influence architecture, solve meaningful challenges, and deliver measurable impact. If you're passionate about building modern solutions, leveraging AI responsibly, and helping organizations transform through technology, we'd love to connect with you.