Forward Deploy Engineer

Akeneo is the leading AI-powered Product Data Platform that helps brands, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers unify product data and pricing to power better product experiences, smarter decisions, and business growth in an AI-driven commerce world.

We're all about experience - from the best-in-class product we build to the inspiring environment we create for our employees. You'll grow in a dynamic environment where your ideas and expertise will make an impact from day one. Our flexible work model empowers you to thrive, balancing professional success with personal fulfilment. At Akeneo, you’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values open communication, shared successes, and meaningful relationships.

Learn more about our culture and values via our Career page .

Bridge the gap between consulting and engineering.

At Akeneo, we don't just build software; we solve the most complex product data orchestration challenges for global enterprises. As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you are the technical heartbeat of our most strategic customer engagements. You aren't tucked away behind a backlog - you are on the front lines, embedded with clients, and empowered to build the technical bridges that turn high-level strategy into high-performance reality.

This is a unique hybrid role designed for the "Customer-Minded Engineer." Part software architect, part strategic consultant, and part rapid-prototyper, you thrive in the "gray area" where standard configurations end and innovation begins. This role interacts with varying customer levels with varying technical acumen: you are innately a problem solver, and able to provide solutions which never existed previously to bring value to our customers.

Why this role is different:

- Real-World Impact: Y ou won't just ship code to a staging environment; you’ll see your solutions transform how global brands manage and move their data in real-time. You will guide the customer through the changes you’ve made, closing the feedback loop.
- Architectural Sovereignty: You have the autonomy to design bespoke integration patterns and influence the core product roadmap by acting as the "Voice of the Field" for our R&D teams.
- The Best of Both Worlds: You enjoy the deep technical challenge of a Senior Engineer with the strategic influence and variety of a Strategic Consultant.

What we look for

Technical Architecture & Integration Mastery

- API & System Interoperability: Deep understanding of RESTful APIs, webhooks, and data flows. Proven experience integrating SaaS platforms with complex client ecosystems (ERPs, PLMs, E-commerce) to ensure seamless, high-performance data synchronization.
- Solution Architecture & Scoping: Ability to perform deep-dive assessments of client environments, gather complex technical requirements, and design scalable architectures that balance business objectives with technical constraints.
- Rapid Prototyping: A builder mindset with the ability to rapidly develop functional proof-of-concepts or custom code to unblock clients while long-term product features are roadmapped.
- Data Architecture & Catalog Design: You don't just move data; you architect it. You will assess a client's current state and design a clean, performant Akeneo catalog structure; leveraging Product Models, Families, and Association Types, etc. - that ensures long-term scalability and seamless synchronization with downstream channels.

Implementation & Consulting Excellence

- SaaS Deployment Track Record: Proven experience configuring and implementing SaaS solutions, ideally in a B2B environment. You have a history of successfully guiding enterprise clients through the full deployment lifecycle.
- Technical Documentation & Diagramming: Proficiency in creating high-quality documentation, solution blueprints, and integration plans (using tools like Lucidchart, Miro, or Visio) to communicate deployment strategies clearly to both clients and internal research & development.
- Product Training & Enablement: Skilled at leading workshops and technical training sessions. You can translate complex product jargon into functional knowledge for clients and partners, ensuring they are self-sufficient post-launch.

Strategic Mindset & Leadership

- The "Translator" Ability: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to explain high-level technical logic to non-technical stakeholders (C-Suite) without losing the strategic "why."
- Entrepreneurial Ownership: A problem solver to your core. You are comfortable in the grey area, taking extreme ownership of high-stakes or ambiguous technical decisions.
- Strategic Mobility: Ready and willing to be "on the front lines," including traveling to client sites (approx. 20-30%) to lead high-intensity workshops and oversee mission-critical "go-live" moments.

What will set you up for success

- The Consultative Professional: Significant years of experience in Software Engineering, Solutions Architecture, or Technical Consulting - specifically within SaaS, PIM, ERP, or E-commerce ecosystems.
- Software Engineering: Proficient in fullstack development (PHP/Symfony, Node, React - or similar). Experience with Git, CI/CD, and Docker is essential.
- Project Leadership: Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously, acting as the strategic technical leader for the customer.

You don't need to tick every box. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience is slightly different, we still want to hear from you!

If you are a builder who loves high-stakes problem solving, hates the phrase "that’s not possible," and wants to solve real customer problems, we want to meet you.

Interview process

- 45-minute screening call with a member of our Talent Acquisition team
- 1-hour call with our hiring manager
- 2-hour technical interview with two of our Staff Engineers

Life at Akeneo

Work Environment

- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave with flexible working hours, and a hybrid setup allowing 3-4 days working from home. Option to Work from Anywhere for up to 30 days per year.
- Home Office & Commuting Allowance: Enjoy a $600 budget to enhance your home office and an $80 monthly sustainable transportation allowance for eco-friendly commuting.

Inclusivity

- Generous Parental Leave: Benefit from 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, 4 weeks of paid leave for the second parent. A gradual return to work program is also available.
- Community & Support: Engage in 2 paid volunteering days annually and join Employee Resource Groups dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the company.

Growth and Development

- Professional Development: Access a $1,000 annual budget for personal professional development and take advantage of career paths, internal mobility opportunities, and a "Women in Leadership Programme."
- Comprehensive Onboarding: Start on the right foot with a structured company onboarding program.

Wellbeing

- Health & Insurance: Receive 100% employer contribution for employees and their dependents for medical, dental, and vision benefits up to the set caps.
- Financial Security: Benefit from a 401k with a 4% company match and short as well as long-term disability insurance.
- Mental Health Support: Access individual and confidential sessions with a mental health practitioner or coach of your choice.

For more information about benefits, don’t hesitate to contact our Talent Acquisition team.

This role has a base salary range of $140,000 USD to $160,000 USD.

This role comes with a bonus proportion of $14,000 USD to $17,800 USD