Senior Forward Deployed Engineer at Handshake - San Francisco, CA

Role Overview

Are you a seasoned software engineer passionate about shaping the future of careers in the AI economy? Handshake is seeking a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer to join our team in San Francisco. In this role, you'll be a technical leader, working at the intersection of our engineering organization and our most strategic customers, including leading AI labs. You'll own the end-to-end lifecycle of high-impact deployments, from scoping complex technical requirements to architecting, building, and scaling solutions that directly improve customer workflows and model performance. This is a unique opportunity to combine deep technical leadership with direct customer engagement, driving not just the "what" and the "how," but setting the standard for how Handshake delivers at the highest level.

A Day in the Life

As a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer, your day will be dynamic and impactful. You might start by meeting with an AI lab partner to understand their technical challenges and translate their ambiguous requirements into actionable engineering plans. Next, you could be architecting a tailored, production-grade solution for a high-impact customer need, operating with minimal precedent or existing playbooks. You'll also spend time mentoring other engineers through code reviews and providing architectural guidance. A portion of your day will involve rapidly prototyping and testing tools based on real-time feedback, balancing speed of delivery with long-term maintainability. Finally, you'll contribute to creating technical playbooks and documentation to enable the team to scale deployments efficiently.

Why San Francisco?

San Francisco is the epicenter of technological innovation, and Handshake is strategically located to tap into the vibrant talent pool and collaborate with leading AI labs and tech companies. Being based in San Francisco provides unparalleled access to industry events, networking opportunities, and a community of like-minded professionals. The city's culture of innovation fosters creativity and collaboration, making it the ideal location to drive the future of career development in the AI economy. Handshake's commitment to a 5-day/week in-office presence in San Francisco emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team building in this dynamic environment.

Career Path

The Senior Forward Deployed Engineer role at Handshake offers a clear path for career growth and advancement. You can progress to roles such as:

• Principal Engineer: Focus on broader architectural vision and technical strategy.
• Engineering Manager: Lead a team of forward-deployed engineers.
• Solutions Architect: Specialize in designing and implementing customer-specific solutions.
• Technical Director: Oversee technical direction for key customer partnerships.

Handshake is committed to providing opportunities for continuous learning and development, ensuring that you have the skills and knowledge to excel in your career.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for this position in San Francisco is $150,000 - $250,000 annually. The actual salary offered will be based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, experience, and location. Handshake also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Equity in the company
• Professional development budget
• Commuter benefits
• Wellness programs
• Free meals and snacks in the office
• Parental leave

Handshake's Mission

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. We empower knowledge workers, educational institutions, and employers to connect and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our mission is to democratize opportunity and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and connections they need to succeed. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

How to Apply

To apply for the Senior Forward Deployed Engineer position at Handshake, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills, and explain why you are passionate about joining Handshake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Handshake?

   Handshake is the career network for the AI economy, connecting students, alumni, and employers.

2. What does a Forward Deployed Engineer do?

   A Forward Deployed Engineer works directly with customers to understand their technical challenges and build tailored solutions.

3. What skills are important for this role?

   Strong technical skills in ReactJS, TypeScript, relational databases, and cloud infrastructure are essential, along with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

4. What is the work environment like at Handshake?

   Handshake fosters a collaborative, innovative, and fast-paced environment.

5. What are the growth opportunities at Handshake?

   Handshake offers various career paths, including Principal Engineer, Engineering Manager, and Solutions Architect.

6. What benefits does Handshake offer?

   Handshake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, unlimited PTO, 401(k), and equity.

7. Why is this role located in San Francisco?

   San Francisco is a hub of technological innovation, providing access to top talent and industry events.

8. What is Handshake's mission?

   Handshake's mission is to democratize opportunity and empower individuals to succeed in the AI economy.

9. How can I prepare for the interview?

   Review your technical skills, prepare examples of your work, and research Handshake's mission and values.

10. What is the application process?

    Submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal.