If you’ve been paying attention to hiring trends in SaaS and enterprise tech lately, one thing is clear: Everyone is looking for Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs).
From early-stage startups to global software giants, the role has exploded in popularity — and for good reason.
But what’s behind the surge? Why are FDEs suddenly one of the most sought-after hires in SaaS?
Let’s Dive In!
1. The Shift from Selling Software to Delivering Outcomes
Modern SaaS buyers don’t just want a product — they want a solution that works in their world.
As software becomes more configurable, data-driven, and embedded in complex customer environments, the gap between “it works in theory” and “it works in production” has never been wider.
That’s where Forward Deployed Engineers come in.
They bridge the divide between product and customer, ensuring implementations actually deliver value.
In short:
• Account Executives sell the promise.
• FDEs make that promise real.
And in today’s SaaS world, execution is everything.
2. Complex Products Need Hands-On Implementation
The rise of AI, machine learning, data platforms, and security software has created a wave of technically complex SaaS products.
These products can’t simply be “switched on” — they require integration, configuration, and customisation.
That’s why companies are turning to FDEs:
• They can code, script, and integrate.
• They understand data and APIs.
• They collaborate directly with customers to tailor solutions.
Instead of tossing a product over the fence, SaaS businesses are embedding technical talent into customer relationships — and it’s working.
3. FDEs Are the Ultimate Customer-Centric Engineers
Traditional engineers build for customers.
Forward Deployed Engineers build with them.
They spend time in the field, understanding real-world challenges, solving problems, and feeding those insights back into product and engineering teams.
That loop makes the product stronger, the customers happier, and the GTM motion more effective.
In many SaaS companies, FDEs have become the missing link between Sales, Product, and Customer Success.
4. The Rise of Enterprise GTM Models
As more SaaS companies move upmarket, selling into enterprise and regulated industries, the buying process has changed.
Enterprise buyers want proof — real demos, real integrations, real results.
That means technical depth matters more than ever in pre- and post-sales.
FDEs bring that credibility:
• They can speak the language of the CTO or data team.
• They can design proofs of concept that actually work.
• They can adapt complex products for complex clients.
In enterprise SaaS, FDEs are often the difference between “we’re interested” and “we’re in.”
5. Product-Led Growth Meets Human-Led Success
Even in PLG (product-led growth) companies, human support still matters — especially when products are technically demanding.
FDEs play a crucial role in accelerating time-to-value by helping users succeed faster.
They’re the human layer that ensures adoption, retention, and expansion — all the metrics investors care about most.
In other words, FDEs help customers get ROI faster, and that’s gold in any SaaS model.
6. Startups See FDEs as Force Multipliers
For early-stage SaaS startups, hiring a Forward Deployed Engineer can be a game-changer.
They’re:
• Technical enough to solve integration problems
• Commercial enough to work with customers
• Curious enough to bring feedback into product development
It’s why many founders describe FDEs as their “secret weapon” in early go-to-market.
They’re often the unsung heroes who turn the first 10–20 customers into successful case studies — and shape the roadmap in the process.
7. Why They’re Hard to Hire (and Even Harder to Keep)
Of course, part of why everyone is looking for FDEs is because great ones are rare.
You need someone who can:
• Code like an engineer
• Communicate like a consultant
• Think like a product manager
• And empathise like a customer success partner
That unique mix is hard to find — and even harder to retain in a market where every scaling SaaS company wants them.
8. The Bottom Line: Why FDEs Are Having a Moment
Forward Deployed Engineers have become indispensable because they sit at the intersection of technology, customer, and growth.
In today’s SaaS world, where execution and adoption drive success, FDEs deliver on all three.
They make sure customers not only buy your product — they succeed with it.
And that’s exactly why everybody’s looking for them.
Final Thoughts
The rise of the Forward Deployed Engineer signals a shift in how SaaS companies think about customer success and technical delivery.
It’s no longer enough to build great software — you need people who can help customers realise its value quickly, confidently, and at scale.
FDEs are the ones doing that work.
So, if you’re asking “why is everyone looking for Forward Deployed Engineers?” — it’s simple:
They’re the connective tissue between your product, your customers, and your growth.
Choosing the right recruitment agency is about fit, expertise, and trust.
By asking the right questions and digging into their processes, you can find a partner who not only fills roles — but helps you build a Product & Engineering team that fuels long-term SaaS growth.
Invest in a Product & Engineering Recruitment agency and accelerate your path to success.
Reach out to a member of the team here, or see more about how we can support your growth here.
Luke Mannion
Global Head of Product & Engineering
