Forward Deployed Engineer

Ovii's Interpretation of the Role

The Forward Deployed Engineer bridges Kong's API platform with enterprise customers, delivering architecture, implementation, and ongoing technical success. You will translate complex business needs into high‑performance API gateway and service‑mesh solutions while driving adoption and expansion.

Role Snapshot

• Customer‑facing technical leader
• API gateway & service mesh architect
• Enterprise solution delivery
• Technical pre‑sales to post‑implementation ownership
• Mentor for junior engineers
• 30‑50% travel to client sites

Must-Have Requirements

• API lifecycle management
• Microservices & distributed systems
• Kubernetes
• Docker
• AWS / Azure / GCP
• Golang, Python, Lua, JavaScript
• Open Source / APIs / Infrastructure
• Troubleshooting complex technical issues
• customer‑facing technical role
• microservices & distributed systems

Nice-to-Have Signals

• Kong Gateway or Kong Mesh experience
• Open‑source contributions
• Experience in regulated industries (Finance, Healthcare, Government)
• Cloud platform certifications
• experience with Kong products
• open‑source contributions
• regulated industry experience
• AWS Solutions Architect
• Kubernetes Administrator
• highly regulated industries (Finance, Healthcare, Government)

Work Setup

• Location: Milan, Italy
• Work mode: ONSITE
• Travel: 30-50% travel to client sites and events
• Employment type: Full-Time

Not Specified in JD

• Visa sponsorship
• Salary range
• Remote eligibility
• Education requirement
• Relocation
• Notice period
• Security clearance
• Coding test
• Portfolio
• GitHub
• Writing sample
• Cover letter

What You'll Likely Work On

• Architect and implement API gateway and service‑mesh solutions for enterprise clients
• Lead deep‑dive technical workshops, demos, and proof‑of‑concepts for diverse stakeholders
• Resolve critical customer technical issues together with engineering and product teams
• Own the technical success of strategic accounts from pre‑sales through post‑implementation
• Capture customer feedback and influence the product roadmap
• Mentor junior engineers and technical account managers
• Travel 30‑50% to client sites and industry events

Good Fit If You Have

• Prior experience with Kong Gateway or Kong Mesh
• Active contributions to open‑source projects
• Experience in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, or government
• Cloud platform certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Kubernetes Administrator)
• Strong sense of ownership and urgency