AI engineering layers
Forward deployed engineer (FDE)
Definition
An engineer who works alongside a customer to build and deploy software for the customer's real workflows, often connecting AI to existing systems.
Visual example
Visiting chef engineer = FDE
The kitchen connection
Think of a visiting chef engineer who fits a smart kitchen station to the restaurant's menu, pantry, and service routine.
The illustration connects the AI idea to something familiar. Follow the subject, the action, and the result to see how it works.
- 01 · Who or what
- Visiting chef engineer = FDE
- 02 · What happens
- Builds beside the restaurant team
- 03 · The result
- Fits AI to real kitchen work
Why it matters
The role helps turn AI technology into a system that works inside a real business. The engineer tests it with the customer and helps the team use and improve it.