Principal Forward Deployed AI Engineer

About the Role

Echelon is seeking a Principal Forward Deployed AI Engineer to join their team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves embedding with customer teams to drive the deployment of AI systems from initial concept to production, ensuring tangible value delivery and sustained impact over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Work directly on-site with operators and executives, managing each engagement as an internal venture within the customer's organization.
• Translate complex, high-stakes problems into clear technical plans, prioritizing the development of solutions that deliver the most significant value.
• Design and deploy production-grade AI systems, leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and scalable architectures.
• Facilitate the adoption of deployed systems by end-users, measure outcomes, and iterate on solutions to ensure impact.
• Guide enterprise teams through the AI adoption process and establish the technical direction for each engagement.

Required Approach to Work

Candidates should demonstrate a problem-first approach, addressing unclear briefs or challenging environments with proactive energy and a structured plan. The role requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.

• Curiosity: Understand on-site operations and adapt to evolving technical stacks.
• Speed: Transition rapidly from concept to functional code without requiring ideal conditions.
• Rigour: Reproduce issues before fixing, thoroughly test all deployments, and justify technical decisions.
• Confidence & Humility: Engage in constructive challenge, accept feedback, and adjust perspectives based on evidence.
• Autonomy: Make decisions with incomplete information and take ownership of outcomes, organizing work independently.
• Resourcefulness: Navigate challenges such as limited access, partial data, or unfamiliar codebases by utilizing available resources effectively.
• Situational Leadership: Lead when appropriate and follow when others have superior insights.
• Force Multiplier: Contribute to team efficiency through effective reviews, established patterns, and comprehensive documentation.
• AI-Native Depth: Integrate AI tools into coding, testing, and debugging processes, with demonstrated experience building solutions using LLMs.

Experience and Qualifications

Candidates should possess 5-10 years of relevant experience in AI engineering and deployment. A strong background in designing and implementing production-grade AI systems is essential.

Location and Work Type

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role requires on-site engagement with customer teams.

Application Process

Salary for this position will be disclosed during the interview process.