Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE)

About the role

As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you will be a dedicated Cloudflare expert directly embedded within the team of one of our most strategic and fast-paced customers. You will serve as the primary technical resource, architecting complex multi-stage migrations and providing the hands-on configuration necessary to drive the success of unique web infrastructure requirements.

We are looking for a proactive, high-trust partner who thrives in agile environments, acts as a bridge to internal product teams, and possesses a deep passion for the future of AI-driven security.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to key enterprise customers, providing technical insights, best practices, and strategic recommendations that support their business goals and drive success with Cloudflare’s solutions in particular Cloudflare’s worker and workers AI platforms.
• Lead architectural discussions, design sessions, and solution reviews to ensure the optimal application of Cloudflare’s offerings in customer environments.
• Diagnose complex technical issues and deliver effective, strategic solutions in collaboration with the support and product teams.
• Architect Application Security: Design and configure comprehensive, tailored solutions with a focus on Application Security, utilizing Cloudflare Workers to optimize and direct global traffic and Network Security.
• Master Infrastructure as Code: Support the account team by navigating and managing complex configurations heavily reliant on Terraform to ensure seamless operational stability.
• Act as a Strategic Liaison: Serve as a high-speed conduit between the customer and internal Cloudflare teams (Product, Support, Engineering), effectively advocating for customer needs and influencing product roadmaps.
• Navigate Modern Communication: Manage complex, fast-moving technical discussions primarily through Slack, acting as a guide for the customer even when formal calls are difficult to schedule.
• Drive AI Innovation: Leverage your deep knowledge of AI/LLM concepts to align Cloudflare’s capabilities with the customer’s AI-focused culture and future technological goals.
• Provide Long-Term Guidance: Stay with the account post-migration as a trusted advisor to identify future strategic initiatives, including a transition into Network Security and SASE architectures.

Requirements

• Must-Have Skills:
  • 10+ Years of Technical Customer Facing Experience
  • Extensive and proven knowledge of development platforms such as Cloudflare’s Application Security, Workers and Workers AI, cybersecurity, web performance, and cloud infrastructure
  • Extensive experience implementing and supporting complex technical solutions using Terraform for infrastructure management
  • Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport in challenging environments, remaining flexible and persistent in establishing regular cadences with stakeholders
  • Exceptional ability to navigate "Slack-first" communication cultures, providing clear guidance and managing technical threads under pressure
  • A strong technical understanding of and passion for AI/LLM concepts, fitting the culture of a cutting-edge AI-centric organization
  • Strong knowledge of networking protocols, cybersecurity, and industry standards (e.g., Zero Trust/SASE)
• Nice-to-Have Skills:
  • Network Security Background
  • Experience or strong interest in transitioning application-heavy environments toward comprehensive Network Security and SASE models
  • Proficiency in coding languages beyond Terraform to automate tasks at scale and build proof-of-concept setups
  • Experience managing or advising on project-based fund pools to maximize the value of a customer's strategic investment

Compensation

Compensation may be adjusted depending on work location. This role is eligible to earn incentive compensation under Cloudflare’s Sales Compensation Plan. The estimated annual salary range includes the on-target incentive compensation that may be attained in this role under the Sales Compensation Plan.

Benefits

• Health & Welfare Benefits
• Financial Benefits
• Time Off

What Makes Cloudflare Special?

We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and place great value in both diversity and inclusiveness. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law.