Director, Forward Deployed Engineering

HackerRankHybrid in Santa Clara, CA

$300,000 - $350,000 / year

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Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Career level

Executive

Remote

On-site

Compensation

$300,000-$350,000/year

Benefits

Paid Vacation

Job Description

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

HackerRank is scaling its Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) function globally. We are hiring a Director, Forward Deployed Engineering (Global) to set the strategy, standards, and execution bar for this team. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will lead the global FDE function, directly manage FDEs in the U.S., and partner closely with regional GMs in EMEA and APAC.

What you'll do

Lead, coach, and grow a team of FDEs that lead customer engagements (pre- and post-sales) to define and deliver solutions.
Partner with Sales, Product, Engineering, and Customer Success to shape solutions that solve real customer problems.
Work with Product and Engineering to incorporate customer-specific solutions into the product roadmap.
Provide hands-on technical leadership across APIs, integrations, and platform capabilities.
Elevate how we run demos, proofs of concept, and onsite engagements.
Build repeatable playbooks, delivery standards, and best practices to move fast at scale.

Who you are

A seasoned technical leader with 8+ years in engineering, solutions engineering, or technical delivery, and 2+ years leading high-performing technical teams.
Obsessed with operating alongside the team, reviewing designs, challenging assumptions, and stepping in when problems get ambiguous or high-stakes.
Highly experienced in leading customer-facing technical teams where success depends on credibility, clarity, and execution, not scripts or handoffs.
Fluent across engineering and business contexts, you can debate architecture with engineers and align outcomes with sales, product, and customer leaders.
Excellent presenter and communicator who can modulate the message across both technical and non-technical audiences.

Even better if you have

Experience as a Forward Deployed Engineer, Solutions Engineer, or Technical Consultant.
Background in developer tools, HR tech, or API-first SaaS platforms.
Experience working in globally distributed or matrixed teams.

You will thrive in this role if

You enjoy building teams, systems, and standards from the ground up.
Ambiguity energizes you, especially in fast-moving environments.
You hold high standards for ownership and quality, with a bias toward action and urgency.

Compensation

This role offers a total target compensation of $300,000-$350,000, which includes base salary and a 20% variable component tied to individual and company performance. You'll also receive stock options and a comprehensive set 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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Notice to prospective HackerRank job applicants:

Our Recruiters use @hackerrank.com email addresses.
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FAQs About Director, Forward Deployed Engineering Jobs at HackerRank

What is the work location for this position at HackerRank?

This job at HackerRank is located in Hybrid in Santa Clara, CA, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at HackerRank?

Candidates can expect a pay range of $300,000 and $350,000 per year.

What employment applies to this position at HackerRank?

HackerRank lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at HackerRank?

HackerRank is looking for a candidate with "Executive" experience level.

What benefits are offered by HackerRank for this role?

HackerRank offers Paid Vacation for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.

What is the process to apply for this position at HackerRank?

You can apply for this role at HackerRank either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.