Ernst & Young

Forward Deployed AI Engineer - Associate Director

Ernst & Young • $150K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 6+ years in software engineering, data engineering, or AI/ML solution delivery.
  • Proven experience delivering scalable AI/ML solutions in client-facing roles.
  • Solid expertise in machine learning, generative AI, NLP, and big data technologies.
  • Experience with cloud-native development and container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker).
  • Proficiency with cloud platforms: Azure, AWS, GCP.
  • Familiarity with DevOps practices including CI/CD and Infrastructure as Code.
  • Exposure to agentic architectures and multi-agent orchestration.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior client stakeholders to support AI and data strategy initiatives.
  • Assist in the full lifecycle of solution development from problem definition to scaling and adoption.
  • Align client technology roadmaps with business objectives and AI trends.
  • Develop and implement AI applications leveraging advanced frameworks.
  • Rapidly develop functional prototypes and production-ready demos.
  • Support identification and pursuit of technical expansion opportunities.
  • Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of innovation.

Benefits

  • Future-focused skills development and world-class experiences.
  • Flexible work environment.
  • Diverse and inclusive culture with globally connected teams.
Full Job Description
The Opportunity
As an Associate Director in EY's Forward Deployed Engineering team, you will support the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven, data-centric solutions within strategic client environments. This role blends strong technical expertise with emerging leadership capabilities to contribute to business impact through collaboration with client teams and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
  • Client Engagement & Solution Support
    • Collaborate with senior client stakeholders and technical teams to support AI and data strategy initiatives.
    • Assist in the full lifecycle of solution development-from problem definition, architecture design, prototyping, deployment, to scaling and adoption.
    • Help align client technology roadmaps with business objectives and emerging AI trends.
  • Forward Deployment & Engineering Execution
    • Develop and implement AI and LLM-powered applications leveraging Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), autonomous agents, and orchestration frameworks.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in Python and agent frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or AutoGen.
    • Rapidly develop functional prototypes and production-ready demos within project timelines.
  • Commercial & Growth Enablement
    • Support identification and pursuit of technical expansion opportunities to accelerate account growth.
    • Contribute to proposal development, technical demos, and client engagements by articulating AI/ML capabilities and business value.
    • Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Leadership & Team Collaboration
    • Mentor and guide junior engineers and data scientists within cross-functional pods.
    • Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.
    • Contribute to the refinement of EY's Forward Deployed Engineering frameworks, best practices, and technical capabilities.


Skills and Attributes for Success
  • Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced client environments.
  • Strong hands-on AI/ML engineering skills combined with emerging solution leadership capabilities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Commercial awareness focused on delivering measurable business outcomes.
  • Passion for AI, cloud-native architectures, and emerging technologies.


Required Qualifications
  • 6+ years in software engineering, data engineering, or AI/ML solution delivery.
  • Proven experience delivering scalable AI/ML solutions in client-facing or collaborative roles.
  • Solid expertise in machine learning, generative AI, NLP, computer vision, data platforms, and big data technologies.
  • Experience with cloud-native development, microservices, container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker).
  • Proficiency with cloud platforms: Azure, AWS, GCP.
  • Familiarity with DevOps practices including CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible), monitoring, and logging.
  • Exposure to agentic architectures, multi-agent orchestration, or cognitive harness patterns.
  • Consulting or technical delivery experience with enterprise clients.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to complex technical engagements and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of MLOps, LLMOps, AI governance, ethical AI frameworks, and model interpretability tools.
  • Industry-specific expertise (financial services, healthcare, energy).
  • Experience supporting sales, pursuits, or account growth initiatives.


What we offer you

At EY, we'll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We'll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young (EY) is a multinational professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to clients in a wide range of industries. The firm was founded in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co., and has since grown to become one of the largest professional services firms in the world. EY is committed to building a better working world by helping its clients solve their toughest challenges, and by creating a positive impact on the communities it serves.
Learn more about Ernst & Young
Size
300,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1989

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