Forward Deployed AI Engineer, TechEx, Software -US
West Monroe · Chicago; Dallas; Los Angeles; Minneapolis; New York; San Francisco; Seattle; Washington, D.C.
About this role
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Forward Deployed AI Engineer – Technology & Experience (TechEX)
At West Monroe, we believe the next generation of consulting will be built by small, highly capable teams that ship real software, solve hard problems, and create measurable value quickly.
We are hiring a Forward Deployed AI Engineer—a hands-on software engineer who thrives in client environments and uses modern AI capabilities to enhance the systems they build. This role is fundamentally about engineering first: designing, building, and deploying production-grade software systems that improve how businesses operate.
You will work directly with clients and cross-functional teams to deliver full-stack, data-driven, and AI-enabled solutions, moving from problem definition to production in fast-paced, high-impact environments.
About the Role
You will lead the design and development of production-ready software systems across infrastructure, integrations, data, and applications. You will be responsible for building systems that are reliable, scalable, and maintainable, while incorporating AI capabilities where they meaningfully improve outcomes.
This role is best suited for engineers who want to stay close to the work—writing code, deploying systems, and solving real-world problems—while also shaping how solutions are delivered.
What You Will Do
Software Engineering & System Design
- Design, build, and deploy full-stack applications and distributed systems in client environments
- Develop services, APIs, data pipelines, and user-facing applications that support core business operations
- Integrate complex systems using REST APIs, webhooks, event-driven architectures, and custom connectors
- Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and maintainable across cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)
AI-Enabled Engineering
- Incorporate AI/LLM capabilities into applications where they provide clear value (e.g., automation, decision support, user interfaces)
- Build and deploy AI-powered features such as intelligent workflows, copilots, and agent-based systems
- Develop prompting strategies and orchestration patterns to support production use cases
- Leverage AI to improve engineering workflows, including testing, automation, and development acceleration
Client Delivery & Problem Solving
- Work directly with clients to understand business needs and translate them into technical solutions
- Move quickly from prototype to production, iterating based on user feedback
- Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Operational Intelligence & Platforms
- Build platforms that unify fragmented data, workflows, and systems into usable applications
- Design and implement workflow automations across systems and teams
- Support production systems through monitoring, debugging, and continuous improvement
Engineering Excellence
- Write clean, maintainable, production-quality code
- Contribute to reusable patterns, shared libraries, and platform capabilities
- Operate in an Agile environment, balancing speed with long-term quality
- Mentor team members and contribute to a strong engineering culture
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for engineers who care deeply about building high-quality software and solving real problems.
You are likely a strong fit if you:
- Identify as a software engineer first, not just an AI specialist
- Enjoy building systems from the ground up and owning them through production
- Thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Are comfortable working across multiple layers of the stack
- Care about the end user and whether your solutions create real value
- Can balance speed, pragmatism, and engineering rigor
Qualifications
Required
- 5–8+ years of experience in software engineering, platform engineering, or related roles
- Strong experience building and deploying production systems in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Solid foundation in computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, system design)
- Experience with API design, distributed systems, and system integration
- Ability to operate autonomously in client-facing environments
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Willingness to travel and embed with clients (25–50%)
Technical Experience
- Languages: Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, C#, Java, or similar
- Frontend: React, Angular, or similar frameworks
- Backend: API development, microservices, service-oriented architecture
- Data: PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, data pipelines
- Cloud & DevOps: AWS/Azure/GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines
- Integration Patterns: REST, GraphQL, event-driven systems
AI Experience
- Experience integrating LLMs or AI capabilities into applications
- Familiarity with prompt engineering, agent-based systems, or RAG pipelines
- Experience using AI tools to enhance development workflows and automation
Preferred
- Experience with workflow orchestration tools (Temporal, Airflow, Inngest)
- Familiarity with data platforms (Databricks, Snowflake)
- Prior consulting or forward deployed engineering experience
- Exposure to operationally complex industries (e.g., logistics, utilities, field services)
How You Will Work
- Spend the majority of your time building and shipping software
- Work in small, high-ownership teams
- Move fluidly between architecture, coding, deployment, and user collaboration
- Deliver iteratively, with a strong focus on real-world outcomes
Why This Role Is Compelling
- Build real systems used in real business environments
- Maintain strong engineering depth while applying modern AI capabilities
- Own solutions end-to-end, from idea to production
- Work across a wide variety of industries, problems, and technologies
- Help shape how West Monroe delivers engineering-led, AI-enabled solutions
Based on pay transparency guidelines, the salary range for this role can vary based on your proximity to one of our West Monroe offices (see table below). Information on our competitive total rewards package, including our bonus structure and benefits is here. Individual salaries are determined by evaluating a variety of factors including geography, experience, skills, education, and internal equity.
Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, purchase shares from our employee stock ownership program and be eligible to receive annual bonuses. Employees will also receive unlimited flexible time off and ten paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Eligibility for ten weeks of paid parental leave will also be available upon hire date.
Other consultancies talk at you.
At West Monroe, we work with you.
We’re a global business and technology consulting firm passionate about creating measurable value for our clients, delivering real-world solutions.
The combination of business and technology is not new, but how we bring them together is unique. We’re fluent in both. We know that technology alone is not the answer, but how we apply it is. We rely on data to constantly adapt and solve new challenges. Actions that work today with outcomes that generate value for years to come.
At West Monroe, we zero in on the heart of the opportunity, getting to results faster and preparing people for what’s next.
You’ll feel the difference in how we work. We show up personally. We’re right there in the room with you, co-creating through the challenges. With West Monroe, collaboration isn’t a lofty promise, but a daily action. We work together with you to turn vision into clear action with lasting impact.
West Monroe is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We believe in treating each employee and applicant for employment fairly and with dignity. We base our employment decisions on merit, experience, and potential, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at West Monroe, visit www.westmonroe.com/inclusion. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in our recruiting process, please inquire by sending an email to recruiting@westmonroe.com.
Please review our current policy regarding use of generative artificial intelligence during the application process.
If you are based in California, we encourage you to read West Monroe’s Notice at Collection for California residents, provided pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and linked here.
About West Monroe
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