Appen

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, California Permanent - Regular Full-time Hybrid
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Job Description

Role Purpose

The Forward Deployed Engineer works directly with enterprise clients to design, deploy, and optimize GenAI data solutions, with full ownership of final delivered data quality. Embedded across engineering, data operations, and client delivery, this role ensures datasets, pipelines, workflows, and automations meet defined accuracy, reliability, and performance requirements for GenAI model development. Your Impact

Act as a trusted consultative partner to clients by defining requirements, clarifying success criteria, shaping high-quality annotation guidelines, and proactively providing insights.

Influence the what and the why behind GenAI data solutions by translating ambiguous client needs into clear, scalable workflows.

Deliver GenAI datasets that meet all defined acceptance and quality criteria.

Define the validation and automation requirements that reduce variance, manual review effort, rework, and time to validation.

Partner with engineering to build requirements as scalable, reproducible, and observable pipelines.

Contribute reusable quality frameworks and validators adopted across multiple projects.

What You Bring

3+ years of experience in a customer-facing technical role such as solutions engineering, solutions architect, data or technical consulting, or data operations.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience working on GenAI, machine learning, or model evaluation data, including LLM training, annotation, or evaluation workflows.

A consultative problem-solving approach when leading client conversations, asking sharp questions, and guiding stakeholders toward better decisions.

Ability to vibe code but proficiency in Python and SQL is a plus

Confidence in working directly with client engineering or machine learning teams.

Location and Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA. You will be required to work from our San Francisco office two days per week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Forward Deployed Engineer role at Appen involve?

The Forward Deployed Engineer position at Appen in San Francisco, California is a permanent - regular full-time role. Role Purpose The Forward Deployed Engineer works directly with enterprise clients to design, deploy, and optimize GenAI data solutions, with full ownership of final delivered data quality. Embedded across engineering, data operations, and client delivery, this role ensures datasets, pipelines, workflows, and automations meet defined accuracy, reliability, and performance requirements for GenAI model development. Your Impact Act as a trusted consultative partner to clients by defining requirements, clarifying success criteria, shaping high-quality annotation guidelines, and proactively providing insights. Influence the what and the why behind GenAI data solutions by translating ambiguous client needs into clear, scalable workflows.

What skills are required for Forward Deployed Engineer at Appen?

Key skills for this role include: Python, Rust, Scala, SQL, Machine Learning, LLM, Genai, API.

What is the salary for Forward Deployed Engineer at Appen?

The salary for this position is not publicly listed. You can negotiate during the interview process. Check Glassdoor or Levels.fyi for estimates.

Is the Forward Deployed Engineer position at Appen remote or on-site?

This position is Hybrid. Expect a combination of office and remote work, typically based in San Francisco, California.

How do I apply for Forward Deployed Engineer at Appen?

You can apply for this position directly through the employer's careers page. Click the 'Apply Now' button on this page to be redirected to the original listing. Make sure your resume is ATS-optimized. Use SpotChange's free ATS test to check.

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About This Role

Forward Deployed Engineer at Appen is a permanent - regular full-time engineering position in San Francisco, California. Key skills include Python, Rust, Scala, SQL, Machine Learning, LLM, Genai, API. Education: Master's Degree preferred. Experience: 3+ years.

This role is classified as hybrid and is suitable for mid level-level professionals. Ghost Score 20/100 (Probably Active) indicates this listing is probably active with recent employer engagement.

To apply, visit the official application page through the Apply Now button above. SpotChange Jobs provides AI-powered career tools including resume optimization, ATS testing, interview preparation, and salary negotiation assistance.