Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering - Manufacturing

Overview

Databricks is redefining what organisations can achieve with data and AI. As the unified platform powering the world's most ambitious data-driven enterprises, we sit at the intersection of cloud migrations, AI transformation, and real-time intelligence and our customers challenge us every day to go further.

As a Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering, you will lead a high-performing team of Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers at the forefront of this transformation. Partnering with Databricks' most strategic enterprise accounts, you will shape how leading organisations migrate to the lakehouse, build next-generation AI and GenAI systems, and unlock sustained business value from their data investments.

Responsibilities

• Drive regional performance targets including billable utilisation, team growth, and hiring while championing delivery excellence and customer success across the FDE portfolio.
• Lead high-stakes enterprise engagements: partner with Account Executives, Engagement Managers, and Field Engineering leaders to position and deliver transformational PS programs spanning data migrations, AI/ML platforms, and advanced analytics.
• Champion delivery governance and operational rigor: establish best practices for project oversight, risk management, and quality standards that scale with a growing FDE & AI Engineering practice.
• Act as executive escalation point for critical customer situations, leveraging deep technical credibility and leadership judgment to protect strategic relationships and drive resolution.
• Develop and retain exceptional technical talent: mentor Forward Deployed Engineers and AI Engineers through structured career pathways, technical coaching, and a culture of innovation, mastery, and continuous growth.

Requirements

• 4+ years of people leadership experience managing high-performing technical delivery teams, solution architects, or professional services organisations with a proven track record of building excellence-driven cultures.
• 5+ years of hands-on individual contributor experience as a technical solutions architect or data/AI engineer, providing the technical depth to coach and credibly support senior practitioners.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale data platform migrations and AI/ML programs within enterprise environments, across industries such as Finance, Healthcare, Retail, Telco, or Energy.
• Strong executive presence and stakeholder management skills, with experience navigating complex, high-stakes customer environments and influencing at the C-suite level.
• Familiarity with Databricks, Apache Spark™, MLflow, Delta Lake, or the modern data and AI ecosystem; hands-on experience with Databricks or a direct competitor is highly valued.

Pay Range Transparency

Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected salary range for non-commissionable roles or on-target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipates utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above.

Local Pay Range

$211,800—$291,300 USD