Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)
Company
AI SaaS / Enterprise AI Solutions Company
Location
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Hybrid)
Employment Type
Full-time, Permanent
About the Company
A rapidly growing AI SaaS company backed by a publicly listed Japanese technology group is seeking Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) to support enterprise AI transformation initiatives across Japan.
Founded in 2023, the company develops AI-powered enterprise workflow solutions that integrate with existing SaaS ecosystems and enable AI agents to autonomously execute business operations. Its flagship platform connects enterprise systems via API to streamline workflows and reduce operational overhead.
The company has grown to over 200 employees and multiple AI products within just a few years, supporting enterprise clients across industries including finance, manufacturing, retail, and real estate. The organization operates with a deployment model inspired by Forward Deployed Engineering, combining deep technical execution with direct business collaboration.
About the Role
As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will work directly with enterprise clients to analyze business operations, identify opportunities for AI-driven optimization, and implement production-ready AI workflows using the company’s AI platform.
This is a highly cross-functional role combining full-stack engineering, AI/LLM implementation, customer engagement, and product feedback. FDEs are responsible for the full lifecycle from discovery and PoC development through deployment and operational support.
The role requires strong technical depth as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders ranging from executive leadership to operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct deep-dive discovery sessions to understand client business processes, SaaS environments, and operational workflows
Identify business challenges suitable for AI-driven automation and optimization
Design and implement workflows using the company’s AI platform
Develop and iterate lightweight PoCs utilizing LLMs and AI agents
Build and maintain SaaS integrations through APIs
Handle full-stack development across backend and frontend systems
Support deployment, operational design, and technical troubleshooting
Collaborate closely with clients and internal product teams
Feed deployment insights and customer use cases back into product roadmap discussions
Support security and compliance considerations during implementation
Required Qualifications
3+ years of software engineering experience
Full-stack development experience across frontend and backend technologies
Hands-on experience developing applications utilizing LLMs or generative AI
Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure
Fluent Japanese communication skills suitable for technical and product discussions
Preferred Qualifications
Customer-facing experience in technical consulting, solutions engineering, or customer success
Experience implementing enterprise SaaS platforms
Experience with AI agent frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, or CrewAI
Experience building ETL pipelines or data integration systems
Knowledge of authentication, authorization, encryption, and security best practices
Project management experience
English technical communication skills
Technology Stack
Backend
Python
Frontend
TypeScript, React, Next.js, NX
AI / LLM
LangChain, LangGraph, proprietary AI SDK
Infrastructure
GCP, Kubernetes, Docker
Database / Data
BigQuery, PostgreSQL
Tools
Slack, Confluence, Linear, GitHub, Notion, Google Workspace
AI Development Tools
Claude Code, Cursor, ChatGPT, Devin
Salary
Annual Salary: JPY 7,000,000 – 20,000,000
Fixed overtime allowance included (45 hours/month)
Additional overtime paid separately
Salary reviews twice per year
Bonus paid twice per year
Stock options available
Working Style
Hybrid work model (3 days onsite / 2 days remote)
Flexible working hours with negotiable core hours
Career Path
As the Forward Deployed Engineering organization expands, high-performing engineers can progress into:
Senior FDE
FDE Lead
Technical Leadership
Product Architect
AI Agent Engineering Leadership
Deployment Strategy Leadership
The role offers strong visibility across both client engagements and internal product strategy initiatives.
Benefits
Salary reviews twice per year
Bonus twice per year
Stock option program
Full access to premium AI development tools
Development subsidy program
Book purchase subsidy
Language learning and certification support
Monthly wellness / refreshment allowance
Housing allowance (eligible areas)
Full social insurance coverage
Transportation reimbursement
Paid leave and seasonal holidays
Hybrid work environment with flexible scheduling