Yesterday, I came across a term gaining popularity these days: FDE (Forward Deployed Engineer), particularly within the AI sector. When I searched for the meaning and requirements of that job, I was surprised to find similarities to my TD (Technical Director) job at DreamWorks.

This is what Gemini told me about FDEs:

Unlike traditional software engineers who sit at headquarters building a core, generalized product for the mass market, an AI FDE is sent out to “embed” directly inside a client’s company. They work side-by-side with the client’s internal team to build, customize, and deploy AI solutions within the client’s specific, messy, real-world tech environment.

If I replace some words from that description, I can successfully describe what a TD job is like this:

Unlike traditional software engineers who sit with their own teams building a core, generalized product for the studio, a TD is sent out to “embed” directly inside an artist department. They work side-by-side with the artists’ internal team to build, customize, and deploy CG-related technical solutions within the artists’ specific, messy, real-world creative environment.

Furthermore, what Gemini explained as requirements for the FDE roles are almost identical to what I would expect for a TD role (if you swap the AI lingo for CG):

Because this role requires extensive client interaction, companies don’t just look for pure coding skills. Ideal candidates require: Robust full-stack coding capability alongside direct experience orchestrating LLMs.Exceptional communication and consulting skills to explain complex AI limitations to corporate executives.High tolerance for ambiguity, as every client’s data infrastructure is vastly different and often poorly organized.

I don’t know what the future will be like with such rapid AI development, but I do know as human beings, we are meant to live and work together, and I’m glad my role helps with this.