About nine in ten Indian enterprises expect demand for Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) to rise by 2030, according to a Scaler and CyberMedia report. Research survey of roughly 1,000 software engineers and 200 enterprise technology decision-makers. Only 1% of engineers currently work in explicit FDE roles. FDEs work with clients to customize, integrate, and deploy AI and software solutions into production. The report says 77% of multinational companies plan to hire FDEs within the next year, and 98% of enterprises see the role as more than a niche. Nine in ten engineers surveyed were unaware of a structured pathway into FDE work; 58% expressed interest, and 52% did not know how to become an FDE. Enterprises prioritize production deployment (77%) and customer engagement (61%), while talent availability in those areas lags. About 80% of dedicated FDE engineers earn between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1 crore annually, with roles expected to pay up to 30% more than other engineering positions.
About nine in ten Indian enterprises expect demand for Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) to rise by 2030, according to a Scaler and CyberMedia report. Research survey of roughly 1,000 software engineers and 200 enterprise technology decision-makers. Only 1% of engineers currently work in explicit FDE roles. FDEs work with clients to customize, integrate, and deploy AI and software solutions into production. The report says 77% of multinational companies plan to hire FDEs within the next year, and 98% of enterprises see the role as more than a niche. Nine in ten engineers surveyed were unaware of a structured pathway into FDE work; 58% expressed interest, and 52% did not know how to become an FDE. Enterprises prioritize production deployment (77%) and customer engagement (61%), while talent availability in those areas lags. About 80% of dedicated FDE engineers earn between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1 crore annually, with roles expected to pay up to 30% more than other engineering positions.