Forward Deployed Engineer

HackerRank helps companies like NVIDIA, Amazon, and Microsoft hire and upskill the next generation of developers based on skills, not pedigree. Our platform is trusted by over 2,500 of the world’s most innovative companies to build strong engineering teams ready for what’s next.
Software has entered an era where humans and AI build side by side. As this shift accelerates, the definition of strong technical talent is changing. We give companies better ways to identify and invest in next-generation skills.
People at HackerRank care deeply about the impact of their work and sweat the small details so our customers can be wildly successful with products they genuinely love to use. We move with urgency and believe great outcomes come from high standards.
About the role
We’re looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer to work on-site with our customers, serving as the primary technical presence in customer engagements, leading pilots and demos, and supporting customer evaluation and successful adoption. This role blends deep customer engagement with technical execution. This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Santa Clara.
What you’ll do
Lead customer-facing engagements, including discovery, pilots, and demos, acting as the primary technical voice in front of prospects and customers.
Partner onsite with customers, engineers, recruiters, and business leaders to uncover developer needs, listen with empathy, and shape practical, goal-driven solutions.
Keep customer projects on track through disciplined execution and proactive updates.
Use the right tools, including AI when useful, to deliver faster, more reliable outcomes that strengthen HackerRank’s customer experience.
Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and GTM teams to elevate the voice of the customer.
Who you are
A customer-facing technical lead with enough full-stack depth to configure, debug, and explain web applications, integrations, and generate API scripts as needed (Ruby or Python).
Confident leading conversations onsite with prospects and enterprise customers while gathering requirements, shaping technical approaches, and delivering results that drive measurable impact.
A clear communicator who can go deep with engineers or simplify for non-technical crowds.
A strong operator who plans, executes, and follows through, keeping projects organized.
You lead with empathy, energy, and a problem-solver’s mindset.
Even better if you have
Experience as a software, solutions, or sales engineer working with HR tech, ATS platforms, IDEs, developer tools, API-first or integration-heavy systems.
A track record of seeing projects through from scoping to delivery, balancing customer needs with technical tradeoffs.
You will thrive in this role if
You love mixing engineering, consulting, and delivery, owning every step of the journey.
You want every project to feel like a new challenge.
You set and uphold high standards for excellence for yourself and those around you.
Compensation
The base salary range for this role is $160,000–$185,000, plus a target 10% annual bonus tied to individual and company performance. You will also receive equity (stock options) and a comprehensive package of cash and non-cash benefits.
Want to learn more about HackerRank? Check out HackerRank.com to explore our products, solutions and resources, and dive into our story and mission here.
HackerRank is a proud equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal opportunity to everyone for employment based on individual performance and qualification. We never discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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