Latest AI JobsBrowse Jobs
Cloudflare logo

Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)

CloudflareHybridProfessional Services
Apply on company site
Salary
$184K - $253K USD
Job type
Full-time
Posted
5 Feb 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

The Forward Deployed Engineer position at Cloudflare is a hybrid technical expert role embedded directly within strategic customer teams to architect complex migrations. This position suits experienced professionals with a strong background in cloud networks, web infrastructure, and enterprise client engagement.

Role Overview

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you will serve as a dedicated technical advisor embedded directly within the team of a strategic Cloudflare customer. You will act as the primary technical resource, architecting complex multi-stage migrations and providing hands-on configuration to drive success with unique web infrastructure requirements. This role requires partnering with agile environments, acting as a bridge to internal product teams, and sharing a deep passion for AI-driven security.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to key enterprise customers by offering technical insights, strategic recommendations, and best practices using Cloudflare’s worker and Workers AI platforms.
Lead architectural discussions, design sessions, and solution reviews to ensure optimal application of Cloudflare offerings.
Diagnose complex technical issues and deliver effective solutions in collaboration with support and product teams.
Design and configure comprehensive application security solutions using Cloudflare Workers to optimize and direct global traffic.
Manage complex infrastructure configurations heavily reliant on Terraform to guarantee operational stability.
Act as a high-speed conduit between customers and internal teams like Product, Support, and Engineering.
Navigate fast-moving technical discussions primarily through Slack, guiding customers even when formal calls are difficult to schedule.
Leverage AI and LLM concepts to align Cloudflare capabilities with customer technology goals.
Remain with accounts post-migration as a trusted advisor to guide future strategic initiatives like Network Security and SASE architectures.

Requirements

10+ years of technical customer-facing experience as a technical architect or lead on complex enterprise projects in cloud networks, web infrastructure, or security.
Extensive knowledge of Cloudflare application security, workers, workers AI, cybersecurity, web performance, and cloud infrastructure.
Extensive hands-on experience implementing and supporting complex technical solutions using Terraform for infrastructure management.
Proven ability to build trust and rapport in challenging environments while establishing regular stakeholder cadences.
Exceptional communication skills to navigate Slack-first communication cultures under pressure.
Strong technical understanding of and passion for AI and LLM concepts.
Strong knowledge of networking protocols, cybersecurity, and industry standards such as Zero Trust and SASE.

Nice to Have

Experience or strong interest in transitioning application-heavy environments toward comprehensive Network Security and SASE models.
Proficiency in coding languages beyond Terraform to automate tasks at scale and build proof-of-concept setups.
Experience managing or advising on project-based fund pools to maximize the value of strategic customer investments.

Skills and Tools

Terraform
LLM and AI concepts
Cloudflare Workers and Workers AI
Application and Network Security
Slack-first communication
Zero Trust and SASE architectures

Salary and Benefits

Estimated annual salary of $184,000 - $253,000 for New York City and New Jersey based hires, with compensation potentially adjusted based on work location.
Eligibility to participate in Cloudflare’s equity plan.
Medical, Rx, dental, and vision insurance.
Flexible spending accounts and commuter spending accounts.
Fertility and family forming benefits, alongside on-demand mental health support and an Employee Assistance Program.
Global travel medical insurance, short and long term disability insurance, and life and accident insurance.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Participation Plan.
Flexible paid time off covering vacation and sick leave, plus parental, pregnancy health, medical, and bereavement leave programs.

About the Company

Cloudflare runs one of the world's largest networks powering millions of internet properties, ranging from individual bloggers to Fortune 500 companies, protecting and accelerating applications without adding hardware. Recognized on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Company Cultures list and Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, Cloudflare values curiosity, iteration, and leveraging AI to ship faster. The company champions a better internet through initiatives like Project Galileo, the Athenian Project, and the privacy-focused 1.1.1.1 public DNS resolver.

How to Apply

Please apply on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

LLMTerraform

Questions candidates ask

What is the salary range for the Forward Deployed Engineer role?

For New York City and New Jersey based hires, the estimated annual salary ranges from $184,000 to $253,000, and compensation may vary based on work location.

What level of experience is required for this position?

Candidates must have 10+ years of technical customer-facing experience as a technical architect or lead on complex, enterprise-level projects within cloud networks, web infrastructure, or security.

What are the primary tools and technologies used in this job?

Key tools and technologies include Terraform, Cloudflare Workers, Workers AI, LLM concepts, and Slack for communication.

Are benefits included with this position?

Yes, Cloudflare offers medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, an Employee Stock Participation Plan, flexible paid time off, equity participation, and various family and mental health support programs.

Where is the job located?

This is a hybrid position with available locations including Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, and New York City.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Cloudflare careers page.

Apply on company site