This tech job is in huge demand right now, Cursor's head of talent says

Forward-deployed engineers are currently one of the most sought-after roles in the tech industry. Matt Ward, Cursor's head of talent, explained that this position has become highly in-demand. The term "forward-deployed engineer" was popularized by Palantir, but many major tech companies have since adopted this role. The main responsibility of a forward-deployed engineer is to teach businesses how to effectively use AI.

According to Ward, these engineers are both technically proficient and capable of communicating with executives and leaders.

Forward-deployed engineers typically work closely with customers, learning about their business operations and then building or customizing technology to meet their specific needs. This role combines elements of software engineering, consulting, and product development. The demand for this position has skyrocketed during the AI boom, with job postings increasing by over 5,000% compared to last year, as reported by Indeed data.

OpenAI, for instance, has a dedicated forward-deployed engineering team with 39 members as of late last year, and they have 24 open positions across the US, Europe, and Japan. Salaries for this role at OpenAI can reach up to $345,000 plus equity. Other companies, such as consulting firms like BCG and McKinsey, are also getting involved in this field.

BCG has created a team of forward-deployed consultants who can code and build AI tools directly on client projects, while McKinsey is increasingly seeking candidates who possess strong consulting skills combined with technical expertise.