Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - Data Scientist

Microsoft seeks a Principal Forward Deployed Engineer to lead technical initiatives for strategic accounts, embedding with clients to deliver high-impact data science solutions.

This senior individual contributor position places the engineer directly within customer teams to address complex challenges and ship production-ready solutions. The role requires acting as the primary technical leader for a strategic account, leveraging deep expertise to guide decision-making and drive tangible business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Translate business requirements into actionable technical strategies to drive customer success.
• Design and implement production-grade solutions with full end-to-end ownership.
• Deliver iterative, high-impact results while navigating ambiguous environments.
• Build trust and align priorities with senior stakeholders to influence technical and business decisions.
• Customize solutions using specific industry and customer context rather than applying generic approaches.
• Prepare detailed scope and technical direction for handover to FDE crews, ensuring continuity throughout the engagement.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset to manage account dynamics, set clear boundaries, and foster accountability.

Requirements

• A Doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science) plus 5+ years of data science experience, OR
• A Master's Degree in a relevant field plus 7+ years of data science experience, OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field plus 10+ years of data science experience, OR
• Equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in customer-facing roles, project delivery, professional services, or consulting.
• Proven track record of partnering with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions from start to finish.

Nice to have

• A Doctorate in a relevant field plus 8+ years of data science experience, OR
• A Master's Degree in a relevant field plus 10+ years of data science experience, OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field plus 12+ years of data science experience, OR
• Equivalent professional experience.
• Experience partnering directly with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions end-to-end.
• Willingness and comfort with travel up to 25% of the time.

What the company offers

• Eligibility for benefits and other compensation packages.

About the company

Microsoft is driven by a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of inclusion built on respect, integrity, and accountability, encouraging employees to collaborate and innovate to realize shared goals.

• Employees are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset and innovate to empower others.
• The workplace values collaboration to achieve shared objectives.
• A culture of inclusion is maintained where everyone can thrive, supported by core values of respect, integrity, and accountability.