Staff Full-Stack Software Engineer, (Forward Deployed), GPS
About this role
Scale AI builds custom artificial intelligence applications and generates training data to help the international public sector address critical challenges and transform operations. The International Public Sector team is looking for a Staff Full-Stack Software Engineer to serve in a forward-deployed capacity based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this role, the engineer collaborates directly with public sector counterparts to build full-stack AI applications, architect fundamental frameworks for production-grade systems, and guide cloud infrastructure evolution.
Candidates who thrive in this position are self-driven leaders capable of resolving extreme ambiguity while translating client needs into robust architectural roadmaps. The right person acts as a lead technical strategist, mentoring staff, bridging the gap between field deployments and core platforms, and driving documentation-first workflows across global engineering environments.
What you will do
- Serve as the lead technical strategist for public sector engagements by converting ambiguous mission requirements into robust architectural roadmaps.
- Architect fundamental frameworks for production-grade AI applications that integrate interactive user interfaces, backend systems, and AI models at scale.
- Guide the evolution of cloud infrastructure to ensure security, global scalability, and long-term system integrity across all environments.
- Direct the development of core platforms and shared services to solve cross-cutting needs for diverse global client use cases.
- Partner with cross-functional leadership to steer the technical roadmap while mentoring senior and junior staff.
- Bridge the gap between the field and the core platform by turning real-world client lessons into reusable engineering patterns.
What you need
- Hold a Master's or Phd in Computer Science or possess equivalent deep industry experience in architecting complex, distributed systems.
- Bring 10+ years of full-stack expertise across Python, Node.js, and React.
- Demonstrate a proven track record of designing high-scale architectures on Kubernetes and global cloud infrastructures including AWS, Azure, and GCP.
- Possess expert ability to design and oversee production-grade ecosystems with high standards for system integrity, security, and scalability.
- Bring extensive experience deploying and troubleshooting sophisticated end-to-end solutions directly within complex, high-security client environments.
- Show a proven track record of building LLM-driven solutions with strategic foresight to architect future-proof systems.
- Act as a self-driven leader capable of resolving extreme ambiguity and setting technical vision.
Nice to have
- Past experience working at a startup as a CTO or founding engineer
- Experience in a forward deployed engineer or dedicated customer engineer role
- Experience working cross-functionally with operations
- Proficient in Arabic
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the location and work arrangement for this role?
This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the rapidly growing International Public Sector team. The position involves collaborating directly with public sector counterparts onsite.
What are the core technical requirements for this position?
Applicants should have 10+ years of full-stack expertise across Python, Node.js, and React, alongside a proven track record on Kubernetes and global cloud infrastructures like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Candidates also need experience building LLM-driven solutions and architecting complex, distributed systems.
What kind of experience is expected for team leadership?
The engineer will act as a self-driven leader capable of resolving extreme ambiguity, mentoring senior and junior staff, and setting the technical vision for the organization. Nice-to-have experience includes past startup work as a CTO, founding engineer, or in a forward-deployed role.
Is there a waiting period if I have applied before?
Scale AI policy requires a 90-day waiting period before reconsidering candidates for the same role. This allows the team to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all applicants.