The Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) is an embedded hands-on technical role responsible for working directly with business stakeholders, customers and delivery teams to rapidly solve high-value operational challenges for AFCA's Scams Prevention Framework, using software, AI, automation and data solutions.
The role acts as the bridge between business problems and engineering execution. Unlike traditional engineers who primarily build products, the FDE embeds with users to deeply understand workflows, identify opportunities, design solutions, build prototypes, and translate successful outcomes into scalable enterprise capabilities.
The FDE combines software engineering, solution design, data engineering, AI implementation and stakeholder engagement skills to accelerate delivery, improve customer outcomes and maximise the value realised from AFCA's technology investments.
What you'll be doing:
Customer & Business Engagement
- Work directly with business teams to identify high-value opportunities for automation, AI and digital enablement.
- Embed within operational teams to develop a deep understanding of processes, pain points and customer outcomes.
- Translate ambiguous business challenges into clear technical problems and potential solutions.
- Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior stakeholders.
Solution Engineering
- Design and build rapid prototypes, proofs of concept and production-ready solutions.
- Develop integrations across enterprise platforms including Optimizely, Microsoft, ServiceNow, Dynamics, Workday, Databricks, data platforms and AI services.
- Build scalable software, workflows and automation solutions that align with enterprise architecture standards.
- Apply modern engineering and DevOps practices across all solutions.
AI & Data Enablement
- Design and implement AI-enabled solutions using LLMs, agents, retrieval architectures and automation capabilities.
- Partner with data teams to leverage enterprise data assets effectively.
- Ensure AI solutions comply with governance, security and responsible AI requirements.
- Measure and demonstrate value delivered through implemented solutions.
Product & Platform Feedback
- Capture recurring customer requirements and convert them into backlog items for core platforms and products.
- Influence platform roadmaps based on real-world user needs.
- Identify opportunities to standardise bespoke solutions into reusable enterprise capabilities.
Delivery Excellence
- Rapidly iterate solutions based on user feedback.
- Support implementation, adoption and transition into operational support models.
- Provide technical leadership throughout the full solution lifecycle.
To be successful in this role, you will need:
Essential
- Experience in software engineering, solution engineering, AI engineering or data engineering.
- Proven ability to translate business problems into practical technology solutions.
- Experience building and deploying cloud-based applications and integrations.
- Strong software development and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with AI, automation and workflow technologies.
- Understanding of modern engineering practices including Agile, DevOps and CI/CD.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
- Commercial mindset with a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes.
Desirable
- Experience with ServiceNow and API integration.
- Experience with generative AI, AI agents and automation platforms.
- Experience with Microsoft Azure and AI services.
- Knowledge of responsible AI, governance and security practices.
- Relevant cloud, engineering or AI certifications.
- Gold AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
- Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
- Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with two days a week in our modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
- Additional and inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.
To apply
If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single criterion.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at [email protected].
We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result, our processes may take a little longer, and we thank you for your patience.
About AFCA
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. The original team has grown to over 1600 dedicated professionals. Since 2018, AFCA has received more than 634,000 complaints, helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers.
AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.