Founding Forward Deployed Engineer
Summary
First US-based technical hire to deploy and support AI-powered route optimization software for short-haul trucking fleets, acting as the bridge between customers and the engineering team.
About the Role
A fast-growing, Y Combinator-backed AI company operating in the industrial logistics and fleet management space is hiring its first technical hire on the ground in the US. This is a founding-level, customer-facing engineering role where you will own the full technical success of US customers — from initial deployment through ongoing support.
The company builds AI-powered scheduling and route optimization software for short-haul trucking and fleet operations — a massive market that still relies heavily on manual planning. The team is scaling rapidly and launching its US go-to-market motion, and you will be at the center of it.
What You'll Do
Own end-to-end technical deployments for US enterprise customers, from onboarding through post-launch support
Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers, managing stakeholder relationships and ensuring deployment success
Integrate the platform with customers' existing job management systems, GPS tools, and operational workflows
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in the field, acting as the bridge between customers and the core engineering team
Travel to customer sites as needed to support hands-on deployments
Surface product feedback and customer insights to inform the roadmap
Help shape the forward deployed function from the ground up as the company scales its US presence
What We're Looking For
Required:
0–3 years of hands-on experience in customer-facing deployments, field engineering, or solutions engineering roles
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills — you're comfortable owning customer relationships at a technical level
Proven ability to manage end-to-end software deployments and provide post-deployment support for enterprise customers
Based in Austin, TX or willing to relocate to Austin
Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship
Nice to Have:
Willingness to travel to customer sites to support on-site deployments
Ownership mindset with the ability to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced early-stage startup environment
Background in logistics, fleet management, or industrial operations technology
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $110,000 – $135,000 USD annually
Founding team member — early equity opportunity
High-impact, high-ownership role at a well-funded, rapidly growing startup
Location
Austin, TX — on-site
Travel to customer sites expected as needed
Visa sponsorship is not available for this role