Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering (AI)

TL;DR

Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering (AI): Leading a high-performing team of engineers to deliver lakehouse migrations and next-generation AI/GenAI systems for strategic enterprise customers with an accent on technical excellence and customer impact. Focus on architecting mission-critical solutions, managing large-scale data migrations, and driving the strategic governance of professional services engagements.

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (Ability to travel to customer sites and offices approximately 20% of the time)

Company

Databricks is a data and AI company providing a unified platform for cloud migrations, AI transformation, and real-time intelligence to thousands of organizations worldwide.

What you will do

• Lead and scale a team of Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) delivering mission-critical data and AI solutions.
• Oversee regional performance targets, including billable utilization and team growth.
• Partner with Account Executives and Field Engineering to scope and deliver transformational Professional Services programs.
• Establish best practices for project oversight, risk management, and quality standards.
• Provide field insights to Engineering and Product management to guide the Databricks roadmap.
• Mentor engineers through technical coaching and structured career pathways.

Requirements

• 4+ years of people leadership experience managing technical delivery teams or solution architects.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a technical solutions architect or data/AI engineer.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale data platform migrations and AI/ML programs in enterprise environments.
• Strong expertise in technical project delivery, managing SOWs, and professional services metrics.
• Experience managing high-stakes stakeholders and influencing at the C-suite level.
• Must be based in Amsterdam, Netherlands with the ability to travel approximately 20% of the time.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with Databricks, Apache Spark, MLflow, or Delta Lake.
• Hands-on experience with Databricks or a direct competitor in the modern data and AI ecosystem.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and perks tailored to the region.
• Culture centered on innovation, mastery, and continuous growth.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.