Senior Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering

📋 Description

• Own the technical strategy and delivery quality across all of FDE's highest-priority customer engagements.
• Stay close to the craft, contribute to architecture, design reviews, and production solutions on the most complex accounts.
• Lead and develop a team of 10+ FDEs, including Tech Lead Managers, set the bar, unblock, and grow the next generation of technical leaders.
• Serve as the executive technical point of contact for Handshake AI's most strategic partners; build deep trust through credibility, clarity, and execution.
• Define and evolve the FDE operating model, how the team scopes, staffs, ships, and measures success across engagements.
• Partner closely with Sales, Research, and Product to shape how new customer relationships are structured and handed off.

🎯 Requirements

• 8+ years engineering/solutions engineering/technical delivery with backend/fullstack/systems depth.
• 2+ years leading high-performing technical teams.
• Proven experience leading customer-facing technical teams with credibility and execution.
• Obsessed with operating alongside the team: reviewing designs, challenging assumptions, and stepping in when high-stakes.
• Excellent communicator with executive presence; able to modulate messages across audiences.
• Still codes regularly; technical credibility is non-negotiable.
• Experience with AI/ML integrations or production reliability; distributed systems.

🎁 Benefits

• Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
• Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, financial coaching
• Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
• Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
• Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
• Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
• Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
• Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses