Forward Deployed Engineer

At Poka, we’re transforming how frontline teams operate, learn, and solve problems.

Our connected worker platform is purpose-built for manufacturing, empowering frontline workers to share knowledge, collaborate in real-time, and drive continuous improvement. Think of it as the missing digital link, bringing the human interface into the stack of the Smart Factory, generating the right data and insights that drive entirely new scales of process improvements.

We’re proud to support global leaders like Nestlé, Bosch, Mars, and Danone in their digital transformation journeys and as part of the IFS family, our reach and impact continue to grow globally.

You don’t just scope solutions - you build what others can’t.

As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) at Poka, you’ll work directly with leading manufacturers to identify, design, and deliver high-impact AI and integration solutions inside real operations.

This isn’t a traditional solutions or consulting role. You’ll own outcomes end-to-end. From discovery through to working software, helping customers move from idea to deployed solution in weeks.

Working with Poka’s AI team, who have already designed and built agents, workflows, and prototypes that solve real problems using customer data, systems, and processes. Your role will be bringing AI to life in operational environments and driving acceleration with our global, enterprise customers.

What you’ll be doing

• Partner with customers to deeply understand their operations, systems, and priorities — and identify where AI and integrations can unlock value
• Lead discovery sessions and technical discussions, shaping high-impact use cases and defining realistic solution approaches
• Design and build integrations between Poka and enterprise systems (ERP, MES, CMMS, etc.) using APIs and middleware tools
• Develop AI-powered workflows and agents (e.g., operator assistants, intelligent triage, document processing, anomaly detection) using modern LLM frameworks
• Own delivery end-to-end — from scoping and architecture to implementation, testing, and handoff
• Support strategic deals by contributing to pre-sales conversations, workshops, and technical deep dives
• Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Services to refine solutions and translate field learnings into scalable capabilities
• Contribute reusable integration templates and AI workflow patterns that can scale across customers
• Travel to customer sites (~25–35%) for workshops, discovery, and key delivery moments

What you bring

• Experience in a customer-facing technical role (e.g., Solutions Architect, Sales Engineer, Integration Consultant, or similar)
• Strong hands-on experience building AI agents, LLM-powered workflows, or automation solutions — this is your core strength
• Practical experience working with LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic) and building real-world use cases (not just experimentation)
• Solid grounding in system integrations, APIs, and connecting enterprise platforms
• Ability to quickly go from ambiguous problem → working prototype using tools like Python, Node.js, and modern AI stacks
• Confidence bridging business and technical conversations, from frontline operations to IT stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt solutions to real-world constraints
• Comfort working in ambiguity and helping shape a new, evolving capability within Poka
• Familiarity with manufacturing systems or industrial environments is a strong plus

Why Poka

• Build, don’t just advise – You own delivery and ship real solutions, not slide decks
• AI with real-world impact – Apply cutting-edge AI in live manufacturing environments, not theoretical use cases
• Speed matters – Your work goes from idea to deployed solution in weeks
• Shape what comes next – The solutions you build directly influence Poka’s product roadmap and future AI capabilities
• High-impact customers – Work with global manufacturers solving complex, meaningful operational challenges

If you’re someone who thrives on building, experimenting, and turning emerging AI capabilities into real-world impact — this is where that work actually happens.

Want to learn more about our culture? Click HERE.

Please note: An understanding of English is essential at Poka, as it is the language used during company-wide meetings and many internal communications, ensuring effective collaboration and decision-making. In addition, as Poka operates in an international environment, English is the primary language for communicating with our clients and partners, enabling us to better serve them and represent Poka in a professional manner.