Forward Deployed Engineer: what it is, and how to hire one
A forward-deployed engineer embeds inside your team and ships production code, instead of handing over a strategy document. Cognitiv works as that engineer for funded startups - taking the roadmap from AI strategy through to deployed code, usually one to two days a week.
What a forward-deployed engineer does
A forward-deployed engineer sits inside your stack and your standups, writes the code, and owns the technical calls around it. The person who decides the approach is the same person who deploys it, so nothing is lost in a handover. The output is working software in your product, not a slide deck or a report.
When to hire one
When you have a roadmap that needs senior engineering but not a full-time hire, or an AI feature you need running in production rather than sitting in a prototype. It is a common fit for funded startups between their first engineers and a full technical leadership team.
How Cognitiv works as your forward-deployed engineer
Start with a two-week Ship Sprint at USD $4,000 that ends with something deployed. From there, an embedded monthly retainer runs from USD $8,000 a month, one to two days a week, 30-day rolling with no lock-in.
Common questions
What is the difference between a forward-deployed engineer and a consultant?+
A consultant advises and hands over recommendations. A forward-deployed engineer writes and ships the code inside your team. With Cognitiv, the same person who sets the AI strategy is the one who deploys it.
How much does a forward-deployed engineer cost?+
Cognitiv starts with a two-week Ship Sprint at USD $4,000, then a monthly retainer from USD $8,000 to USD $15,000 depending on whether you need delivery, delivery plus technical direction, or full technical leadership. Retainers are 30-day rolling.
Is a forward-deployed engineer full-time?+
No. It is fractional, usually one to two days a week, so a funded startup gets senior engineering without a full-time hire.
Have a roadmap you need shipped?
Start with a two-week Ship Sprint - deployed, not a document.