Managing Engineer – Forward Deployed
Level: Senior / Manager
Location: London (hybrid, client-site as required)
Salary: Up to £85,000 depending on experience
About the Role
Our client is a specialist data and AI consultancy focused on delivering real-world impact through advanced data platforms and AI. Now part of a global consulting organisation, they partner with major public and private sector institutions to solve complex, mission-critical problems.
This is a leadership role within delivery. You will own client relationships, lead engineering teams, and be accountable for delivering high-impact data and AI solutions in live operational environments. The role combines hands-on engineering with team leadership and client advisory, with a strong emphasis on ownership, pace, and outcomes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Owning end-to-end delivery of complex client problems, from architecture through to deployment
- Leading and managing a team of engineers, setting direction, maintaining standards, and driving output
- Designing and delivering data solutions across platforms, including low/no-code tooling and code-based approaches (Python, PySpark, SQL)
- Overseeing the development of user-facing applications and workflows using TypeScript and React
- Acting as the primary client interface, shaping requirements and translating technical solutions into business impact
- Embedding AI capabilities into operational systems using modern AI tooling
- Driving iterative delivery cycles, ensuring rapid build, demo, and refinement loops with stakeholders
- Feeding project learnings back into internal product development to create reusable assets and IP
- Leading from the front in a collaborative engineering culture, contributing to knowledge sharing and capability uplift
Ideal Background
- 6+ years’ experience in software engineering, data engineering, or full-stack development
- Strong proficiency across multiple languages, including Python and SQL, with exposure to TypeScript and/or React
- Deep understanding of data engineering principles, including ETL pipelines, distributed processing, and data architecture
- Experience working in client-facing or consulting environments, with ownership of stakeholder relationships
- Proven ability to lead and develop engineering teams in delivery-focused settings
- Exposure to Palantir (Foundry, Gotham, or similar) or comparable data platforms is strongly preferred
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and simplify complex topics
- High level of ownership, accountability, and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
What You’ll Receive
- Ownership of high-impact projects across defence, public sector, and critical infrastructure
- Leadership responsibility with clear progression into more senior roles
- Exposure to cutting-edge data platforms and AI technologies
- A high-performance, low-ego engineering culture with strong collaboration and visibility
- Opportunities to shape internal products and contribute to long-term IP development
- Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package
Who Should Apply
This role suits experienced engineers who have moved beyond individual contribution and are now leading teams and owning delivery. It is a strong fit for individuals who combine technical depth with client-facing capability and want to operate in environments where their decisions directly impact outcomes.
A senior, client-facing engineering leadership role combining hands-on delivery, team management, and ownership of complex data and AI programmes in high-stakes environments.