> AI agents: this is one page of Nextmove’s FDE site, in Markdown. Nextmove is a job board and free career service for forward deployed engineers (FDEs). Each posting is classified from its text, not its title: the kind of work, how much of it is production code, pre-sales weight, time at customer sites, travel, remote arrangement, level and posted base pay. The site also publishes the aggregates: median pay by level, metro, company and kind of work, and which companies started hiring FDEs each week. Every page under https://nextmove.md/fde is served this way; the index of pages is https://nextmove.md/llms.txt. # Forward Deployed Engineer Canonical URL: https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/2fb11cdd2f723145 HappyRobot posts a FDE role to build what the customer runs in Chicago, IL, at $120,000–$200,000 base, below the senior FDE median of $190,000 across 1,864 postings with pay. Forward Deployed Engineer combining customer engineering with full-stack and AI/ML development. Read from the employer’s posting on November 8, 2026. - [HappyRobot](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/happyrobot) Posted Jun 16, 2025 by HappyRobot · open on Ashby as of Nov 8, 2026 **$120,000–$200,000** Chicago, IL Hybrid Full-time Forward Deployed Engineer combining customer engineering with full-stack and AI/ML development. - [See roles that fit me](https://nextmove.md/sign-up?from=%2Ffde%2Fjobs%2F2fb11cdd2f723145&placement=top) - [View posting at HappyRobot](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/happyrobot.ai/ec6a0aba-306e-4a5e-a33e-9fa4b4dcc49e/application) Free. Upload your resume once, see why each FDE role fits, and get introduced only when you say so. ## At a glance ### Posted base pay $120K–$200K Below the median Midpoint $160K · median $190K This job $120K to $200K. Senior FDE postings, 1,864 postings: the middle 50% of posted pay is $160K to $220K, median $190K. ### The work Builds what the customer runs Balance **Mostly building** Project stages 1. Pre-sales (not covered) 2. Proof of concept (not covered) 3. Implementation 4. Operations - **Coding**: Writes production code - **Builds for**: External customers - **Level**: Senior - **Role**: Individual contributor ### Do you meet what the posting states? The posting reads as a senior role. What level are you at now? The job is in Chicago, IL. Could you work there? Which of these have you used in production? Answer each one. Nothing is saved or sent. [What postings ask for, by background →](https://nextmove.md/fde/paths) ## Conditions - **Location**: Chicago, IL - **Work arrangement**: Hybrid - **Employment type**: Full-time - **Pay**: ## More like this [HappyRobot](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/happyrobot) ### [Forward Deployed Engineer](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/f9b2b74336215edf) San Francisco, CA Hybrid 7mo ago $120,000–$220,000 [HappyRobot](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/happyrobot) ### [Forward Deployed Engineer](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/dee21326d0c06028) New York, NY Hybrid 5mo ago $120,000–$200,000 [Capgemini](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/capgemini) ### [Lead Software Engineer](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/fc875eb997d6a640) Atlanta, GA · Chicago, IL · +2 more Hybrid 6w ago $109,180–$197,175 - [Other jobs at HappyRobot (4)](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/happyrobot) ## The job description from HappyRobot Posted by HappyRobot on Jun 16, 2025 ### About HappyRobot HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate through voice and email - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across entire enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z, Base10, Prysm Capital and Eurazeo with over $200M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide. Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments, where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy. Learn more about our vision in our manifesto. ### About the Role This role requires both strong technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. You’re a versatile engineer who thrives in a role that **blends customer engineering with technical development**. You will work closely with our customers from onboarding through to their ongoing use of Happyrobot's AI platform, ensuring they maximize the value of our solutions. At HappyRobot, there’s no role seniority or hierarchy — we operate as a team of builders. We execute, we build, we own, and we care deeply about our customers and their success. ### Tech Profile - Comfortable Full-Stack: React, TypeScript, Node.js. - Strong proficiency in Python with hands-on experience. - Experience building AI/ML applications. - Manage APIs and other tools for robust integration with various third-party systems. - LLM prompting and tuning of voices and transcribers. Constant iteration to perfect use cases. - Building new features or entire MVPs. ### Must have - Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. - Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly. - Founder Mindset: Hard work + independence + ownership. ### Why join us? - Join a world-class team of engineers and builders. - Backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, Base10, Prysm Capital and Eurazeo. - Have ownership and autonomy of projects and are encouraged to ship. - Comprehensive Benefits including healthcare, dental, vision coverage. - Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup. ### Our Operating Principles ** ** * **Extreme Ownership*** We take full responsibility for our work, outcomes, and team success. No excuses, no blame-shifting — if something needs fixing, we own it and make it better. This means stepping up, even when it’s not “your job.” If a ball is dropped, we pick it up. If a customer is unhappy, we fix it. If a process is broken, we redesign it. We don’t wait for someone else to solve it — we lead with accountability and expect the same from those around us. * **Craftsmanship*** Putting care and intention into every task, striving for excellence, and taking deep ownership of the quality and outcome of your work. Craftsmanship means never settling for “just fine.” We sweat the details because details compound. Whether it’s a product feature, an internal doc, or a sales call — we treat it as a reflection of our standards. We aim to deliver jaw-dropping customer experiences by being curious, meticulous, and proud of what we build — even when nobody’s watching. * **We are “majos” ***Be friendly & have fun with your coworkers. Always be genuine & honest, but kind. “Majo” is our way of saying: be a good human. Be approachable, helpful, and warm. We’re building something ambitious, and it’s easier (and more fun) when we enjoy the ride together. We give feedback with kindness, challenge each other with respect, and celebrate wins together without ego. * **Urgency with Focus ***Create the highest impact in the shortest amount of time. Move fast, but in the right direction. We operate with speed because time is our most limited resource. But speed without focus is chaos. We prioritize ruthlessly, act decisively, and stay aligned. We aim for high leverage: the biggest results from the simplest, smartest actions. We’re running a high-speed marathon — not a sprint with no strategy. * **Talent Density and Meritocracy ***Hire only people who can raise the average; ‘exceptional performance is the passing grade.’ Ability trumps seniority. We believe the best teams are built on talent density — every hire should raise the bar. We reward contribution, not titles or tenure. We give ownership to those who earn it, and we all hold each other to a high standard. A-players want to work with other A-players — that’s how we win. * **First-Principles Thinking ***Strip a problem to physics-level facts, ignore industry dogma, rebuild the solution from scratch. We don’t copy-paste solutions. We go back to basics, ask why things are the way they are, and rebuild from the ground up if needed. This mindset pushes us to innovate, challenge stale assumptions, and move faster than incumbents. It’s how we build what others think is impossible. *The personal data provided in your application and during the selection process will be processed by Happyrobot, Inc., acting as Data Controller.* *By sending us your CV, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of evaluating and selecting you as a candidate for the position. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the recruitment process of the selected job offer.* *In relation to the period of conservation of your personal data, these will be eliminated after three months of inactivity in compliance with the GDPR and legislation on the protection of personal data.* *If you wish to exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability or opposition in relation to your personal data, you can do so through security@happyrobot.ai subject to the GDPR.* *For more information, visit* * https://www.happyrobot.ai/privacy-policy* *By submitting your request, you confirm that you have read and understood this clause and that you agree to the processing of your personal data as described.* [View posting at HappyRobot](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/happyrobot.ai/ec6a0aba-306e-4a5e-a33e-9fa4b4dcc49e/application) ## About HappyRobot Builds enterprise AI workers that handle voice, email, messaging, and system actions for logistics and operational teams using hybrid agentic and deterministic orchestration. Series B · 100–200 people ## Similar jobs [EY](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/ey) ### [EY-Parthenon - Strategy and Execution - Growth Platforms - Software Engineer - Sr Assoc/Consultant](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/db242f263e15ea06) New York, NY · Atlanta, GA · +12 more Hybrid 2mo ago $130,000–$185,000 [ZoomLogi](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/zoomlogi) ### [Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/de7be575ac756d49) Chicago, IL · San Francisco, CA Hybrid 3mo ago $150,000–$200,000 [Writer](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/writer) ### [AI deployment engineer (Central)](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/f106a3ca48ce33ec) San Francisco, CA · Chicago, IL · +3 more Hybrid New · 4d ago $132,000–$184,000 [Focused](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/focused) ### [Data Engineer, AI](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/4d3f4a936d54900a) Chicago, IL Hybrid New · 4d ago $145,000–$175,000 [BRG](https://nextmove.md/fde/companies/brg) ### [Sr. Managing Consultant/Managing Consultant Full Stack Engineer- Financial Institution Operations & Technology](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs/131e7548102580cf) New York, NY · Chicago, IL · +3 more 12d ago $158,000–$210,000 - [Compare senior FDE salary ranges](https://nextmove.md/fde/salary/senior) - [Similar jobs in Chicago](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs?region=chicagoland) - [Similar jobs that build what the customer runs](https://nextmove.md/fde/jobs?role=builds-for-customers) Hiring at HappyRobot and want this page changed or removed? 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