Forward Deployed Engineer
Summary
Hands-on Forward Deployed Engineer at KBQuest in Hong Kong: partner with clients to map workflows, prototype and ship production applications using Python and TypeScript, integrate enterprise systems via APIs and SQL, and build LLM/RAG features with security, CI/CD and cloud delivery end to end.
About the role
As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you will work with client users and technical teams to understand workflows, build prototypes and move validated solutions into production. This is a hands-on delivery role, not a pure presales or infrastructure position. You will write code, integrate systems and stay involved through deployment, adoption and handover, balancing practical business value with security, reliability and maintainability.
Key responsibilities
Partner with client stakeholders to map workflows, clarify pain points and agree priorities, acceptance criteria and the business value a solution should deliver.
Build and iterate prototypes, then engineer validated ideas into production-ready applications using Python and TypeScript/JavaScript or comparable languages.
Connect applications, enterprise systems and data sources through APIs, SQL and reliable data integration, including validation, error handling and clear interface contracts.
Develop LLM-enabled features, AI agents and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) where appropriate; evaluate quality, grounding, failure modes and human oversight before release.
Apply privacy, security and access controls throughout delivery, including data handling, least-privilege access, secrets management and safeguards against inappropriate AI outputs or actions.
Establish tests, code review, CI/CD and observability; troubleshoot production issues and improve reliability, latency and cost without losing sight of user needs.
Run client workshops and demonstrations, communicate trade-offs and delivery risks, and provide documentation, training and a practical handover to the teams supporting the solution.
Turn delivery lessons into reusable components and implementation patterns, and share customer feedback with product and engineering colleagues.
About you
At least 5 years of relevant software engineering, solutions engineering or hands-on technical consulting experience, with practical delivery of production systems.
Strong coding skills in Python plus TypeScript/JavaScript or a comparable application language, and the ability to design, test, debug and maintain working software.
Practical experience with APIs, SQL, data integration and application architecture, including authentication, failure handling and secure development practices.
Ability to translate ambiguous customer needs into scoped technical work, explain decisions clearly and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Sound engineering judgment, ownership of delivery and a willingness to learn unfamiliar tools. A relevant degree or equivalent practical experience is welcome.
Professional verbal and written communication in English and Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin) and willingness to work with clients on site when required.
Experience building and evaluating GenAI applications, including retrieval, vector databases, agent frameworks and responsible use of LLMs.
Delivery experience on Enterprise Cloud environments e.g. Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud or Huawei Cloud, and familiarity with Docker.
Understanding of business workflows, operational change and user adoption.
Solid analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
