What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Forward Deployed AI Solutions position at Windward?
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Forward Deployed AI Solutions to lead a critical function at the center of our growth strategy.
This is a rare opportunity for someone who is both a strong leader and a hands-on operator. You will lead and scale our Forward Deployed Engineering team while personally engaging in our most strategic customer opportunities shaping solution strategy, guiding technical sales, and helping ensure successful deployment in the field.
This role sits at the intersection of AI, product, customer outcomes, and revenue. You will work closely with internal leaders, customer executives, and technical stakeholders, while also serving as an external voice for our AI capabilities in the market.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and develop a high-performing global Forward Deployed Engineering team
- Establish strong operating cadence, delivery standards, and execution discipline
- Personally support the company’s most strategic and technically complex opportunities
- Lead technical discovery, solution design, deployment planning, demos, and proof-of-value efforts
- Partner with Sales, Product, R&D, Customer Success, and Services to drive customer outcomes
- Build trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders
- Help translate customer needs into scalable, real-world AI deployments
- Represent the company externally at key customer and industry engagements
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
- 7 years in forward deployed engineering, solutions engineering, technical sales, or similar customer-facing technical roles
- 3 years leading technical teams in high-growth or complex enterprise environments
- Proven ability to operate as both a leader and a hands-on operator
- Strong experience with enterprise software, AI/ML platforms, and solution architecture
- Track record supporting complex sales cycles and customer deployments
- Strong understanding of cloud environments, enterprise integrations, data workflows, and security requirements
- Excellent communication and executive presence
- Willingness to travel up to 20%
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Palantir AIP or similar AI deployment platforms
- Experience in enterprise SaaS, defense tech, or other complex regulated environments
- Experience supporting government or large enterprise customers