Ernst & Young

Forward Deployed AI Engineer - Director

Ernst & Young • $192K — $381K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in software engineering, data engineering, or AI/ML solution delivery
  • Proven success in delivering scalable, production-grade AI/ML solutions
  • Expertise in machine learning, generative AI, NLP, and big data technologies
  • Experience with cloud-native development and container orchestration
  • Proficiency with cloud platforms: Azure, AWS, GCP
  • Strong DevOps skills including CI/CD and Infrastructure as Code
  • Consulting or pre-sales engineering background with enterprise clients

Responsibilities

  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to C-suite and senior stakeholders
  • Lead full lifecycle solution development from problem definition to scaling
  • Architect and build AI and LLM-powered applications
  • Rapidly develop functional prototypes and production-ready demos
  • Identify and drive technical expansion opportunities for account growth
  • Support proposal development and translate AI/ML capabilities into business value
  • Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation

Benefits

  • Discretionary bonus program
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Defined contribution pension plan
  • Generous vacation policy with firm-paid days
  • Learning opportunities for skill development
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Support and coaching from industry colleagues
Full Job Description
The Opportunity

As a Director in EY's Forward Deployed Engineering team, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of AI-driven, data-centric solutions within strategic client environments. This role requires a strong combination of advanced technical expertise, executive leadership, and solution architecture to drive measurable business impact through collaboration with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities
  • Client Engagement & Solution Leadership
    • Act as a trusted technical advisor to C-suite and senior client stakeholders, shaping AI and data strategy. Lead full lifecycle solution development-from problem definition, architecture design, prototyping, deployment, to scaling and adoption. Align client technology roadmaps with business objectives and emerging AI trends.
  • Forward Deployment & Engineering Execution
    • Architect and build 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 tight timelines.
  • Commercial & Growth Enablement
    • Identify and drive technical expansion opportunities to accelerate account growth. Support proposal development, technical demos, and client pursuits by translating complex AI/ML capabilities into clear business value propositions. Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in dynamic environments.
  • Leadership & Team Development
    • Lead and mentor cross-functional pods comprising software engineers, data scientists, data engineers, product managers, and domain experts. Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement. Contribute to the evolution of EY's Forward Deployed Engineering frameworks, best practices, and technical capabilities.


Skills and Attributes for Success
  • Proven ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced client settings
  • Strong balance of hands-on AI/ML engineering and strategic solution leadership
  • Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and technical influencing skills
  • Commercial acumen focused on value realization and measurable outcomes
  • Deep passion for AI, cloud-native architectures, and emerging technologies


Required Qualifications
  • 10+ years in software engineering, data engineering, or AI/ML solution delivery
  • Demonstrated success delivering scalable, production-grade AI/ML solutions in client-facing roles
  • 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
  • Strong DevOps skills including CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible), monitoring, and logging
  • Experience with agentic architectures, multi-agent orchestration, or cognitive harness patterns
  • Familiarity with knowledge graphs, semantic layers, or vector databases
  • Consulting or pre-sales engineering background with enterprise clients
  • Proven leadership of complex technical engagements and multidisciplinary teams


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


This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within our organization.

What we offer you (Canada)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package allows you to decide which benefits are right for you and which ones help you create a solid foundation for your future. Our Total Rewards package includes a discretionary bonus program, a comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage plan, a defined contribution pension plan, a great vacation policy plus firm paid days that allow you to enjoy longer long weekends throughout the year, statutory holidays and paid personal days (based on province of residence), and a range of exciting programs and benefits designed to support your physical, financial and social well-being. Plus, we offer:

  • Support and coaching from some of the most engaging colleagues in the industry

  • Learning opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career

  • The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that's right for you


Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.
EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis.

For those living in California, please click here for additional information.

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

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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