Forward Deployed Engineer
TLDR
Own AI deployments from sales handoff to go-live, fine-tuning models and integrating customer data with ERP systems and REST/GraphQL APIs.
About the Role
This is a high-ownership, customer-facing engineering role at a Y Combinator–backed AI startup automating quoting and order processing for enterprise distributors and manufacturers. You'll own the full technical lifecycle — from sales handoff through live deployment — acting as the critical bridge between cutting-edge AI and real-world customer environments.
What You'll Do
Own end-to-end technical implementation of the product, from post-sales handoff to go-live.
Configure and fine-tune AI models for customer-specific use cases, including prompt engineering and model behaviour adjustments.
Structure customer data and build system integrations with enterprise platforms such as ERP systems and REST/GraphQL APIs.
Develop rapid prototypes to demonstrate new features or address emerging customer challenges, then evolve them into scalable solutions.
Engage daily with both technical teams and senior business stakeholders to translate real-world pain points into engineering decisions.
Surface product gaps and usage patterns back to the core engineering team as the internal voice of the customer.
What We're Looking For
Native fluency in German — essential for this role.
Strong full-stack engineering skills across Python, React, TypeScript, SQL, and API development.
Hands-on experience with enterprise system integrations, including ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and REST/GraphQL APIs.
Practical experience with LLMs, AI agents, and prompt engineering, with the ability to adapt model behaviour to specific business domains.
Proven ability to work with messy, real-world data and build reliable structures quickly.
Customer-obsessed mindset — comfortable at the intersection of engineering, product, and client environments.
High agency and ownership; you proactively identify problems and drive solutions without needing explicit task assignment.
Clear communicator, able to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Comfortable with ambiguity, legacy systems, and a scrappy, high-intensity work culture.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: €80,000 – €130,000 per year. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Location
On-site in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Candidates must be based in Munich or willing to relocate.
Clera harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to match high-growth startups with exceptional talent, streamlining the entire headhunting process. This innovative approach simplifies the job search for candidates while providing startups with access to a curated pool of skilled professionals who align with their needs.
- Founded
- Founded 2024
- Industry
- Internet Software & Services