Sr. Manager, AI Forward Deployed Engineering

About this job

Databricks, known as the Data and AI company, operates a specialized customer-facing team called AI Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE). This team focuses on helping global organizations build and productionize advanced Generative AI applications while collaborating closely with internal product, research, and engineering groups to guide strategic priorities. As the Sr. Manager, AI Forward Deployed Engineering at Databricks in Bengaluru, you will lead and expand the regional AI FDE team to drive customer transformations. A normal day in this role involves mentoring top-tier machine learning engineers and data scientists, guiding complex technical engagements, managing key account portfolios, and partnering with sales and field engineering leadership. You will also shape product roadmaps through direct customer insights, oversee operational OKRs, and build trusted advisory relationships with senior enterprise executives like CIOs and CDOs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale the regional AI forward deployed engineering team by handling hiring, mentorship, and structural growth.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Product, R&D, and GTM teams to share customer insights and influence roadmaps.
• Build and expand executive-level relationships with key partners and enterprise clients during complex AI transformations.
• Partner with Sales and Field Engineering leadership to coordinate cross-functional delivery and set strategic account direction.
• Manage and own OKRs related to AI-services accounts, revenue, utilization, and public references.
• Lead practice development, strategic AI initiatives, and establish scalable delivery processes.
• Represent Databricks externally as an AI thought leader through speaking engagements and published content.

Requirements

• Experience in building and managing high-performing teams of AI/ML engineers, scientists, and leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to scope, sell, and deliver technical enterprise engagements while managing escalations.
• Strong technical depth in AI and machine learning foundations to contribute to architecture reviews.
• Experience leading teams that shipped production AI solutions in cloud environments like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Proven success in defining program-level goals and aligning technical vision with senior executive stakeholders.
• Experience driving enterprise AI transformations involving applied product management and stakeholder alignment.
• Experience connecting AI delivery outcomes to business goals across Sales, Product, and GTM functions.
• Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline like Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Good to have

• Experience in a customer-facing leadership role
• Experience working with Databricks

Who should apply

This role suits experienced technology leaders who have a strong background in managing artificial intelligence and machine learning teams within enterprise environments. Ideal candidates possess deep technical knowledge in AI foundations, a proven track record of guiding executive stakeholders through complex technical transformations, and experience driving cross-functional collaboration. The posting does not mention that freshers can apply, as it requires prior leadership and industry experience.

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