Forward Deployed Engineer

The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) function at Shipsy is modelled on the forward-deployed model pioneered by Palantir — where engineers and strategists are embedded directly inside enterprise accounts to drive transformation from within. At Shipsy, we have adapted this for the logistics AI context.
This is not an engineering role by design but will sit at the intersection of strategy, product, and execution — requiring the ability to work at the CXO level on transformation planning and at the operational level on deployment and adoption. An FDE is assigned to one or two strategic enterprise accounts and takes full ownership of that account's AI transformation journey.  

This is a generalist role by design. The ideal candidate combines an entrepreneurial mindset with strong AI fluency and the ability to navigate complex, large-scale organisations. Prior software engineering experience is not required, but technical competence — particularly with AI tools, agent workflows, and data pipelines — is essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Account Ownership: Serve as Shipsy's primary point of accountability within an assigned enterprise account. Own the transformation roadmap, programme delivery, and business outcomes for that account.
• Transformation Planning: Develop a comprehensive AI transformation plan for the account — mapping the current state of logistics operations, identifying automation opportunities, and defining a sequenced roadmap with measurable milestones.
• Solution Deployment: Configure and deploy AI agents, automation workflows, and product solutions using Shipsy's platformisation layer. Work closely with Shipsy's engineering and product teams to ensure solutions are production-ready and adopted effectively.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships across all levels of the customer organisation — from executive sponsors and business unit heads to operations managers and system administrators.
• Programme Management: Manage the end-to-end delivery programme: timeline, cross-functional dependencies, change management, and go-live coordination.
• Product Feedback Loop: Translate field observations into structured product feedback. Identify patterns across accounts and work with Shipsy's core product team to influence the roadmap.
• Playbook Development: Document learnings, solution patterns, and implementation frameworks that can be standardised and replicated across accounts and geographies.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Entrepreneurial background: Experience founding something, owning a business unit, or driving a significant initiative end-to-end is a strong differentiator. We are looking for candidates who take accountability instinctively.
• AI-native working style: Active, hands-on use of AI tools — building workflows, using models like Claude or GPT, working with agent frameworks — is expected. Candidates should demonstrate this in practice, not just in principle.
• Technical competence: Ability to work directly with APIs, data pipelines, and agent configuration. Full-stack engineering background is not required, but technical depth or curiosity to figure and engage substantively with engineering teams is necessary.
• Complex stakeholder management: Demonstrated ability to manage relationships across a large, hierarchical organisation. Candidates should be equally effective in executive conversations and ground-level operational environments.
• Structured problem-solving: Ability to decompose large, ambiguous problems into clear frameworks and actionable plans.
• For transformation-intensive accounts: MBB consulting or GCC banking background or equivalent experience managing large-scale enterprise change/ownership programmes is preferred.
• For technically complex accounts: Strong engineering pedigree (IIT / NIT / BITS or equivalent), with experience at a high-growth technology company.
• Education: Degree from a Tier-1 institution is a must. Strong pedigree of candidates is required

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

The FDL function sits within the AI Platform & Growth team, reporting to Dhruv Agrawal (Chief Operating Officer). As the function scales, senior FDLs are expected to build small account-level pods consisting of FDL associates and implementation specialists. The role has a clear progression path into strategic leadership positions within Shipsy. 

Travel to customer sites is expected.