Forward Deployed AI Engineer - Director

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.

The Opportunity

As a Director in EY’s Forward Deployed Engineering team, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven, data-centric solutions within strategic client environments. This role requires a strong combination of advanced technical expertise, executive leadership, and solution architecture to drive measurable business impact through collaboration with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Solution Leadership
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to C-suite and senior client stakeholders, shaping AI and data strategy. Lead full lifecycle solution development-from problem definition, architecture design, prototyping, deployment, to scaling and adoption. Align client technology roadmaps with business objectives and emerging AI trends.
• Forward Deployment & Engineering Execution
  • Architect and build AI and LLM-powered applications leveraging Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), autonomous agents, and orchestration frameworks. Demonstrate proficiency in Python and agent frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or AutoGen. Rapidly develop functional prototypes and production-ready demos within tight timelines.
• Commercial & Growth Enablement
  • Identify and drive technical expansion opportunities to accelerate account growth. Support proposal development, technical demos, and client pursuits by translating complex AI/ML capabilities into clear business value propositions. Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in dynamic environments.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead and mentor cross-functional pods comprising software engineers, data scientists, data engineers, product managers, and domain experts. Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement. Contribute to the evolution of EY’s Forward Deployed Engineering frameworks, best practices, and technical capabilities.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Proven ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced client settings
• Strong balance of hands-on AI/ML engineering and strategic solution leadership
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and technical influencing skills
• Commercial acumen focused on value realization and measurable outcomes
• Deep passion for AI, cloud-native architectures, and emerging technologies

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in software engineering, data engineering, or AI/ML solution delivery
• Demonstrated success delivering scalable, production-grade AI/ML solutions in client-facing roles
• Expertise in machine learning, generative AI, NLP, computer vision, data platforms, and big data technologies
• Experience with cloud-native development, microservices, container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Proficiency with cloud platforms: Azure, AWS, GCP
• Strong DevOps skills including CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible), monitoring, and logging
• Experience with agentic architectures, multi-agent orchestration, or cognitive harness patterns
• Familiarity with knowledge graphs, semantic layers, or vector databases
• Consulting or pre-sales engineering background with enterprise clients
• Proven leadership of complex technical engagements and multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of MLOps, LLMOps, AI governance, ethical AI frameworks, and model interpretability tools
• Industry-specific expertise (financial services, healthcare, energy)
• Track record of contributing to sales, pursuits, or account growth initiatives

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within our organization.

What we offer you (Canada)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package allows you to decide which benefits are right for you and which ones help you create a solid foundation for your future. Our Total Rewards package includes a discretionary bonus program, a comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage plan, a defined contribution pension plan, a great vacation policy plus firm paid days that allow you to enjoy longer long weekends throughout the year, statutory holidays and paid personal days (based on province of residence), and a range of exciting programs and benefits designed to support your physical, financial and social well-being. Plus, we offer:

• Support and coaching from some of the most engaging colleagues in the industry

• Learning opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career

• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any accommodation you may need.

Inclusiveness at EY

Inclusiveness is at the heart of who we are and how we work. We’re committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued, policies and practices are equitable, and our people feel a sense of belonging. We embrace diversity and are committed to combating systemic racism, advancing gender equity and women in leadership, advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, promoting our neuroinclusion and accessibility initiatives, and are dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) nationally as we strive towards reconciliation. Our diverse experiences, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives make our people unique and help guide us. Because when people feel free to be their authentic selves at work, they bring their best and are empowered to build a better working world.

Learn about our commitment to Inclusiveness at https://www.ey.com/en_ca/about-us/corporate-responsibility/equity

What we offer you

The compensation ranges below are provided in order to comply with United States pay transparency laws. Other geographies will follow their local salary guidelines, which may not be a direct conversion of published US salary ranges. At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

• We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $192,900 to $381,900. The base salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $231,400 to $433,900. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options.
• Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year.
• Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis.

For those living in California, please click here for additional information.

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

EY | Building a better working world

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.

EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, select Option 2 for candidate related inquiries, then select Option 1 for candidate queries and finally select Option 2 for candidates with an inquiry which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team (TSS) or email the TSS at [email protected].

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At EY, we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as one element of our recruitment process to enhance efficiency and improve the candidate experience. While AI supports us in our process, human judgment and decision-making remain integral in our candidate experience. We are committed to the responsible use of AI, and our practices are continuously reviewed and refined to ensure they align with the highest ethical principles and regulatory requirements

To all recruitment agencies: EY does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes submitted without a prior agreement or request from our hiring team will not be considered. EY is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.