Forward Deployed Engineer – AI (f/m/d) full-time or part-time

As a modern company, we avoid boring job ads and would like to inspire you for us with a new format. Thank you for being interested in CROZ DACH and enjoy reading the following JobChat!

Recently in the team kitchen:  
Linda: "And how was the client meeting last week?"
Joachim: “Very good and, above all, quite interesting. Given the diverse requirements, we definitely need support in the AI area.”
Linda: "Ok. So another AI Consultant, I guess?"
Joachim: “Actually, we are looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer - AI (f/m/d). This role is special because we are a BizTech consultancy: the same people who understand the client's business also build the software. You are at the table when the problem is defined, and you are also the one who builds the solution, ships it to production, and owns it.”
Linda: “I see. So it's about owning deployments end-to-end, not just 'processing tickets'?”
Joachim: “Exactly. Good solutions only emerge from a shared understanding of business and technology. You own deployments end-to-end, from discovery and architecture to the production rollout. We work with German SMEs and large enterprises, often in regulated environments with strict data sovereignty. This means building AI systems within the reality of legacy systems and complex processes.”
Linda: “That sounds challenging. What technical skills are we looking for?”
Joachim: “We need someone with a solid engineering background and 2+ years of experience in software engineering or ML. Production-grade Python is a must, as is experience shipping software with LLM or ML components, like RAG systems or agents.”
Linda: “And it's not just about prototypes, right?”
Joachim: “Definitely. Prototypes are the starting point, not the goal. We build systems that actually run, whether on-premises or in the cloud. It’s about creating real value for our customers.”
Linda: “What about the 'Soft Skills'?”
Joachim: “You should genuinely enjoy direct client contact and stay calm in ambiguous situations. There is rarely a ready-made ticket. You structure the ambiguity yourself. And since our clients are across the DACH region, a willingness to travel (around 25%) is part of the job.”
Linda: “And the usual requirements? Degrees, languages?”
Joachim: “A degree in Computer Science or similar is good, but we care more about the ability to pick up new technologies quickly. Fluent German and English are mandatory for communicating with our clients and our headquarters in Zagreb. Croatian would be the cherry on top.”
Linda: “What can a new colleague expect in terms of salary and benefits?”
Joachim: “For a Senior position, we pay up to 90.000 €. Plus benefits like a company pension plan (bAV), childcare allowance and flexible working hours.”
Linda: “How does the application process work?”
Joachim: “First, a conversation with Peter and me. Then comes a case study where we play the client and work through a realistic problem together. It’s not about a 'right or wrong' test, but about collaborative problem-solving and seeing how we vibe together. Finally, meeting the team and our colleagues in Zagreb to get a feel for the CROZ spirit.”
Linda: “Sounds like a plan. Let’s find someone who fits our personality and team spirit!”