Forward Deployed Engineer: what it is, and how to hire one
A forward-deployed engineer is a hands-on engineer who works inside your team and builds real, working software, instead of handing over a strategy document. Cognitiv works this way for startups and established businesses - taking the plan from AI idea through to software running live in your business, usually one to two days a week.
What a forward-deployed engineer does
A hands-on engineer like this sits inside your team and your daily standups, writes the code, and owns the technical calls around it. The person who decides the approach is the same person who gets it running, so nothing is lost in a handover. What you get is working software in your product, not a slide deck or a report.
When to hire one
When you have a plan that needs senior engineering but not a full-time hire, or an AI feature you need running live in your business rather than stuck as a prototype. It is a common fit for startups and established businesses that need senior engineering without a full technical leadership team.
How Cognitiv works as your forward-deployed engineer
Start with a Ship Sprint - a two-week paid project, fixed price, that ends with something built and running. From there, ongoing monthly work runs from USD $8,000 a month, one to two days a week. You can stop any month.
Common questions
What is the difference between a forward-deployed engineer and a consultant?+
A consultant advises and hands over recommendations. This kind of engineer writes the code and gets it running inside your team. With Cognitiv, the same person who sets the AI plan is the one who builds it.
How much does a forward-deployed engineer cost?+
Cognitiv starts with a Ship Sprint - a two-week paid project at USD $4,000 - then ongoing monthly work from USD $8,000 to USD $15,000 a month, depending on whether you need building, building plus technical direction, or full technical leadership. You can stop any month.
Is a forward-deployed engineer full-time?+
No. It is part-time, usually one to two days a week, so a startup or established business gets senior engineering without a full-time hire.
Have something you need built?
Start with a Ship Sprint - a two-week paid project that ends with something working, not a document.