Forward Deployed Engineer
The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) at Workstream is a pivotal role that bridges the gap between the company's product platform and the complex operational challenges faced by its customers. Operating at the intersection of engineering, product development, and customer deployment, the FDE embeds deeply with strategic clients to design, build, and deploy technical solutions that drive measurable business outcomes. This position is integral to Workstream's mission of empowering the hourly workforce through innovative HR, payroll, and hiring solutions.
Key responsibilities include owning the technical delivery across strategic customer deployments, from initial discovery through production launch and long-term adoption. The FDE will closely engage with enterprise customers to understand their workflows, identify operational pain points, and define technical requirements. The role involves scoping, architecting, and building custom solutions, integrations, workflows, and product extensions that deliver significant customer value. Additionally, the FDE will write production-grade code across various layers, including backend, frontend, APIs, integrations, and automation, to accelerate deployment.
Candidates should possess a minimum of four years of experience in fields such as robotics, computer vision, machine learning, data science, or model building. Strong full-stack technical capabilities are essential, including proficiency in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, APIs, SQL, and integrations. The role requires a proven ability to manage and deliver complex technical projects in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, as well as experience working directly with customers or external stakeholders on technical implementations. Exceptional problem-solving skills, a bias toward action, and strong communication abilities across both technical and non-technical audiences are also critical.
Workstream offers a competitive compensation package, with a base salary range between $170,000 and $200,000, not including discretionary bonuses or equity packages. Comprehensive health coverage is provided, covering medical, dental, and vision, with the company paying 95% of employee premiums and 85% for dependents. Additional benefits include in-office amenities, a stocked kitchen, a 401(k) plan, pre-tax commuter benefits, a learning and development stipend, and flexible paid time off.
The company fosters a mission-driven and value-based culture dedicated to empowering deskless workers and local businesses. As an early employee at a Series B hyper-growth startup, the FDE will have the opportunity to work closely with the founding team and industry veterans, accelerating their career development. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive in ambiguity, move quickly from prototype to production, and are eager to solve real-world business problems while influencing product direction.