Forward Deployed Engineer
Sia (formerly Sia Partners) · Charlotte, United States · 16d ago
Company Description
Sia is a next-generation, global management consulting group. Founded in 1999, we were born digital. Today our strategy and management capabilities are augmented by data science, enhanced by creativity and driven by responsibility. We’re optimists for change and we help clients initiate, navigate and benefit from transformation. We believe optimism is a force multiplier, helping clients to mitigate downside and maximize opportunity. With expertise across a broad range of sectors and services, our 3,000 consultants serve clients worldwide from 48 locations in 19 countries. Our expertise delivers results. Our optimism transforms outcomes.
Sia’s AI & Data Business Unit is the powerhouse of our firm’s innovation—merging cutting-edge Data Science, Generative AI, and advanced digital solutions to transform industries. With over 350 experts worldwide, we tackle projects from proof-of-concept to large-scale deployment, always pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities. Our 12 R&D labs in Europe and North America drive continuous research in areas like computer vision, MLOps, and deep learning, partnering closely with our business consultants for real-world impact. By joining Sia’s AI & Data team, you’ll step into a vibrant, collaborative environment that nurtures professional growth and empowers you to shape the future of AI-driven consulting.
Job Description
Generative AI is profoundly transforming organizations, but there’s often a gap between the prototype and real-world impact. The Forward Deployed Engineer is the person who closes that gap. At Sia, the FDE is both a field engineer and a genuine champion of AI adoption: they don’t just deliver a technical solution, they make sure it becomes embedded in how teams actually work, that it’s understood and adopted, and that it creates measurable value. Sitting at the intersection of engineering and change management, the FDE quickly grasps a client’s operational challenges, designs a tailored response, deploys it, and brings teams along through the transformation.
Core Responsibilities
- Analyze clients’ business needs and translate them into concrete, deployable AI solutions.
- Design and implement LLM-based systems: autonomous agents, RAG pipelines, workflow automation, conversational interfaces.
- Integrate these solutions into clients’ existing environments (APIs, databases, business tools).
- Support teams in adopting the deployed tools through evangelization, training, and continuous iteration.
- Iterate quickly with stakeholders to refine solutions in production and maximize their impact.
- Act as the bridge between technical teams and business decision-makers, translating complexity into perceived value.
Internal Contributions
As part of the firm’s internal activities, you will:
- Contribute to research efforts on generative AI, agents, and automation.
- Help develop the firm’s offerings: training, working groups, internal and external materials.
- Contribute to the publication strategy: sector blogs, studies, press engagements.
Support business development by helping define client needs and participating in commercial activities.
Qualifications
- Hold an engineering degree or equivalent high-level training in computer science, information processing, or a related field.
- Have hands-on experience with LLMs in production: advanced prompting, RAG, fine-tuning, agent orchestration.
- Are proficient in Python and applied AI frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, OpenAI SDK, Anthropic SDK, etc.).
- Are comfortable with API integration and connecting heterogeneous systems.
- Can deploy and operate solutions in a cloud environment (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Have a strong sense of client context — identifying what’s truly useful, prioritizing, and delivering value quickly.
- Can bring non-technical teams along on a transformation through teaching ability, active listening, and the ability to simplify without oversimplifying.
- Want to take on high-value responsibilities quickly, within a dynamic, fast-growing AI practice.
Additional Information
Compensation & Benefits
Sia invests in total rewards that support how our people work, live, and grow.
Compensation
- Base Salary: $117,000-132,000. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by applicable law.
- Annual Performance Bonus
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision; company-paid life and AD&D; voluntary supplemental insurance and EAP
- 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting; HSA and FSA options
- College savings and student loan repayment programs
- Paid parental leave; generous PTO, nine company holidays, and one floating holiday
- Cell phone stipend; well-being and professional development programs
Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.
Workplace
Sia values in-person collaboration. When serving clients, consultants may be required to work onsite at a client location based on engagement needs. Between client engagements, consultants are expected to work from a Sia office or approved coworking location at least three days per week. Candidates should reside within a reasonable commuting distance of a Sia office or approved coworking location. Sia maintains offices and coworking arrangements across multiple U.S. markets, including New York City, Charlotte, Greater Seattle, San Francisco Greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Washington D.C.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout their employment. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
At Sia, we believe in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where our employees and partners are valued and thrive in a sense of belonging.
Sia is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, remuneration, or discipline, are based solely on performance, competence, conduct, or business needs.