Forward Deployed AI Lead

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take ownership of the success of AI transformation initiatives from the initial discovery phase to executive handoff, ensuring alignment of customer outcomes, technical direction, execution of delivery, scope, and establishing a long-term partnership within a comprehensive engagement plan.

• Conduct structured discovery sessions with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to assess context, AI readiness, and identify economic changes driven by AI.

• Develop target architectures and AI operating models that outline how the organization will adopt, govern, and scale AI in a production environment.

• Formulate the enterprise AI strategy and operating model that directs architectural choices, delivery priorities, governance, and long-term AI integration.

• Establish strategic and technical guidance across architecture, data readiness, AI adoption, governance, and delivery priorities.

• Provide hands-on technical leadership when significant architectural or delivery obstacles arise.

• Cultivate executive relationships that position Climb as a long-term AI collaborator, rather than a one-time vendor.

• Continuously refine follow-on scope throughout delivery; by the time of handoff, present a credible hypothesis for the next engagement.

• Identify opportunities for expansion across different lines of business and communicate them to the account team.

• Enhance delivery frameworks based on experiences from engagements.

• Mentor Architects and FDEs on architecture, executive engagement, and the architect-engineer delivery model.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in software development or technical architecture across diverse stacks, including cloud environments.

• More than 3 years in roles such as engineering leadership, technical consulting, or solutions architecture, or a combination of these.

• Practical experience with contemporary AI engineering workflows and development tools (e.g., Claude Code or similar) to set technical direction and credibly guide an engineer's efforts.

• Background in designing or advising on AI operating models, technology adoption strategies, or transformation initiatives.

• Proven ability to engage across various business lines: capable of discussing CI/CD with a VP of Engineering and operational efficiency with a COO within the same week.

• Exceptional executive communication skills: proficient in writing and presenting to CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and leaders of business lines.

• Demonstrated ownership of enterprise consulting engagements, including managing executive stakeholders, scope, delivery quality, and commercial results.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive base salary complemented by performance-based bonuses.

• MacBook Pro and swag kit provided to enable optimal work performance.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Generous holiday schedule, flexible PTO, and a remote-first work culture.

• Professional development budget for resources including Databricks and cloud certifications.

• Spot bonuses available for acquiring relevant certifications.

• Opportunities for conference attendance and thought leadership involvement.

• A collaborative, low-ego work environment with direct access to leadership.

• Chance to influence the growth of a developing practice from its inception.