Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering
Leads a team of forward deployed engineers to deliver customized integrations, workflows, and solutions for customers using Rippling's platform. Requires 5+ years software development experience in languages like Python/JavaScript and 1-3 years leading engineers, with strong customer-facing skills.
About the job
Responsibilities
Lead and develop a high-performing team of FDEs
- Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and coaching
- Drive performance management, feedback, and career development
- Build a strong team culture focused on ownership and customer impact
Own execution across customer engagements
- Ensure successful delivery of complex implementations across multiple projects
- Oversee development of custom integrations, workflows, applications, and analytics using Rippling products and languages like Python, Javascript, Ruby, Java, Go, C or C++
- Maintain high standards for quality, reliability, and scalability
Drive operational excellence
- Improve team-level processes, delivery consistency, and execution rigor
- Manage resourcing, prioritization, and execution across concurrent engagements
- Identify and resolve delivery bottlenecks and cross-team dependencies
Partner cross-functionally
- Collaborate with Account Management, Product, Engineering, and CX teams
- Escalate and resolve issues impacting customer delivery
- Ensure alignment between customer needs and product capabilities
Engage directly with customers when needed
- Support critical engagements and high-priority accounts
- Help scope solutions and guide technical decision-making
- Ensure strong customer outcomes and satisfaction
Contribute to team hiring and growth
- Participate in recruiting and onboarding new FDEs
- Maintain a high bar for technical and customer-facing talent
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of software development experience with strong proficiency in one or more of: Python, Javascript, Ruby, Java, Go, C or C++, along with SQL and data modeling
- 1–3+ years of experience leading or mentoring engineers (formal or informal leadership)
- Proven ability to deliver complex technical projects in fast-paced environments
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritize effectively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially in customer-facing contexts
- Customer-centric mindset with experience working directly with external stakeholders
- Willingness to travel to client sites as needed (up to ~25%)
Skills
Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, Go, C++, SQL, Data Modeling
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