ABOUT THE ROLERetell AI transforms customer experience with voice AI for enterprises, including customers like CVS/Aetna, American Airlines, Lenovo, and Grab. We have more customer stories than we can tell!
As a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll deliver Retell's voice AI solutions to enterprise clients, embedding with their teams to build production-ready systems. You'll bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders with exceptional communication, driving adoption and shaping our platform through customer insights.
We're seeing significant growth with enterprise customers in China, so we're specifically looking for engineers who are fluent in Mandarin and can communicate effectively with our China-based customers and partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead end-to-end delivery of projects using Retell's voice agent platform - from prototyping to production, communicating progress and risks clearly.
- Become go-to experts on building voice AI solutions, especially LLM prompting tips & tricks.
- Build full-stack integrations (Python, JavaScript) with enterprise tools (e.g. CRMs, ERPs, scheduling tools)
- Partner with sales to engage clients to gather requirements, prototype demos, and present system designs.
- Scope projects, resolve blockers, and align teams with concise updates.
- Codify reusable patterns into tools or platform components.
- Translate field feedback into actionable product and GTM recommendations.
YOU MIGHT THRIVE IF- Have 2+ years in customer-facing technical role.
- Fluent in both Mandarin and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with enterprise customers.
- Open to occasional travel, including international travel to support customer engagements when needed.
- Excel at communicating and explaining complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Have delivered production systems in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
- Write production-grade code in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or a similar language.
- Understand LLM-powered systems and their impact on user experience.
- Proactively manage risks, drive execution, and maintain momentum under pressure.
JOB DETAILS- Cash: 180k - 300k
- Equity: Equity Provided
- Location: Redwood City, CA, US - relocation provided
- US Visas: Retell AI is open to sponsoring work authorization for qualified candidates, including H1B/H-1B, TN, L-1, E-3, F-1 (OPT/CPT), and O-1 visas.
OTHER BENEFITS- 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance
- $70/day DoorDash credit for unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- $200/month wellness reimbursement (gym, fitness classes, etc.)
- $300/month commuter reimbursement (gas, Caltrain, etc.)
- $75/month phone bill reimbursement
- $50/month internet reimbursement
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY- Best Offer Upfront: Choose from three cash-equity balance options; no negotiation needed.
- Top 1% Talent: Above-market pay (top 5 percentile) to attract exceptional builders.
- High Ownership: Small teams, >$1M revenue/employee, and significant equity.
- Performance-Based: Offers tied to interview performance, not experience or past salaries.
INTERVIEW PROCESS- Recruiter Intro Call (15 min): Learn more about Retell and share your background and experience.
- Technical Interview (60 min): Live coding and API-focused technical screen.
- Product & Customer Screen (60 min): Focused on product understanding and how customers use Retell.
- Onsite/Virtual Interviews (2 hrs): 90-minute technical interview followed by a 30-minute meeting with the team.
