Senior Forward Deployed Engineer
At a glance
Senior Software Engineering role at Retell AI. Redwood City · full-time · $160,000–$300,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Take voice-agent projects from early prototypes through production, keeping clients informed about progress and delivery risks
- Build Python or JavaScript connections between Retell’s voice platform and client systems such as CRMs or scheduling tools
- Work with sales and client teams to gather needs, create demos and explain proposed system designs
- Keep delivery moving by setting project scope, clearing blockers and sharing concise updates across teams
- Turn repeated implementation approaches into reusable tools, then pass customer feedback into product and go-to-market recommendations
What you bring
- At least two years in a technical role that involves working directly with customers
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or electrical engineering
- You can write production-ready code in Python, JavaScript or a similar language
- You understand how LLM-based systems affect the user experience and can explain technical ideas to non-technical people
Who this fits
This senior role suits a hands-on engineer who can work directly with enterprise customers, communicate across technical and non-technical teams, and deliver in ambiguous, fast-moving situations. It is based onsite in Redwood City, with relocation support and work-authorization sponsorship available for qualified candidates.
From the employer
ABOUT RETELL AI
Retell AI is using first-principles thinking to reimagine the call center with cutting-edge voice AI. Thousands of companies now use Retell's AI voice agents to handle sales, support, and logistics calls that once required large teams of human agents. Backed by Y Combinator, Alt Capital, and other leading investors, we've scaled to $80M in ARR with a team of 50, up from $5M at the start of 2025, and are now valued at over $1.5B.
Our vision for 2026 is to build a modern CX platform where entire contact centers are powered by AI. Instead of basic automation that needs constant human tuning, we're creating intelligent AI “workers” that act as frontline agents, QA analysts, and managers, continuously executing, monitoring, and improving every customer interaction.
We're growing fast and looking for ambitious builders who want to tackle hard technical problems, move quickly, and have a real impact on one of the fastest-growing voice AI companies in the world.
Let's build the future together.
Recent recognition:
No. 1 Best Places to Work in the Bay Area, San Francisco Business Times 2026
#3 Fastest-Growing Software Company, G2 Best Software Awards 2026
ABOUT THE ROLE
Retell 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.
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 roles (e.g., Solutions Engineer, Technical PM, Customer Success/Support engineer, Ex-founder).
Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
Excel at communication & explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Have delivered systems in fast-paced, ambiguous settings.
Write production-grade code (Python, JavaScript, or similar).
Understand LLM-powered systems and their impact on user experience.
Proactively manage risks and maintain momentum under pressure.
JOB DETAILS
Cash: 160k - 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 practical coding
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.
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