Forget building AI from a Silicon Valley office. One of tech’s fastest growing jobs is sending workers directly to customers to configure AI tools, integrate software, and solve complex business problems.
Job postings for “forward-deployed” engineers rose more than 1000% between January and August 2026, compared to the same period last year—and more than 4,600% compared to 2023, according to Lightcast data. That far outpaces the broader tech job market, where postings grew 13% year over year.
Similar growth has been reported on LinkedIn and Indeed, according to The New York Times.
The concept isn’t entirely new. Palantir has long been known for its forward-deployed model, in which technical employees work closely with customers to build and implement software in the field.
Now, as companies race to effectively deploy AI into business processes, that model is spreading like wildfire.
