Forward-Deployed AI Pod Lead

Role overview Lead a forward-deployed engineering pod delivering an AI system for a client, owning the engagement’s roadmap, execution, and technical relationship. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: you guide discovery and delivery, work directly with client stakeholders, and contribute through prototypes and design reviews while the pod builds the system.

Responsibilities - Lead discovery with client stakeholders to understand workflows, data, constraints, and operational needs. - Define the problem, success measures, and adoption goals, then turn them into a prioritized roadmap. - Agree with the client what to build, defer, or exclude, and adjust the plan as real-world use provides feedback. - Organize the pod’s delivery, clarify ownership, maintain momentum, and remove blockers. - Set expectations for code quality, testing, and completion; review important designs and code. - Prototype uncertain parts of the solution and step in when delivery is at risk.

Requirements - At least 5 years building and shipping production software. - Hands-on experience with AI work in production settings. - Ability to lead engineers while remaining technically engaged in architecture and implementation. - Experience communicating with clients and translating operational needs into a practical delivery plan. - A track record of delivering work and learning quickly in changing conditions.

Benefits and work setup - Remote role for candidates based in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Metro Manila. - Leads one engineering pod on a client engagement and reports to an AI solutions architect.