
When Palantir had more Forward-Deployed Engineers than traditional software engineers, it wasn’t inefficiency. It was recognition that complex enterprise software requires human intelligence to bridge product capabilities and customer reality.
The Seven Roles
| Role | Function |
|---|---|
| Solutions Engineer | First technical touch. Runs discovery, builds POCs, translates business to technical |
| AI Solutions Architect | Designs integration. Owns architecture through security and compliance |
| Forward-Deployed Engineer | Lives on-site. Builds custom integrations. Already there when problems arise |
| AI/ML Engineer | Model customization, fine-tuning, performance optimization |
| AI Product Manager | Translates feedback to roadmap. Identifies patterns across deployments |
| AI Architect | Overall AI strategy. Ensures solutions align with platform direction |
| AI Agent Workflow Architect | Newest role. Designs agent-process interaction. Essential for automation |
Phase-Based Deployment
- Discovery (Weeks 1-4): SE-led engagement
- Proof of Value (Weeks 5-12): Fixed-fee pilot, $25-50K
- Production (Months 3-6): FDE becomes critical
- Expansion (Months 6-12): Adjacent workflows
- Strategic Partner (Year 2+): Embedded resources
Build the forward-deployed team structure for your enterprise AI motion. Read the full AI Embedding GTM Playbook on The Business Engineer.









