Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

ABOUT RETELL AI

Retell AI is using first principles to reimagine the call center with cutting-edge voice AI.

Thousands of companies now utilize Retell’s AI voice agents to handle sales, support, and logistics calls that once required large teams of human agents. Backed by Y Combinator, Alt Capital, and other leading investors, we have scaled to $60M ARR with a team of 40 people, up from $5M at the start of 2025.

Our vision for 2026 is to build a modern CX platform where entire contact centers are powered by AI. Instead of basic automation that needs constant human tuning, we’re creating intelligent AI “workers” that can act as frontline agents, QA analysts, and managers, continuously executing, monitoring, and improving customer interactions.

We’re growing quickly and looking for ambitious builders who want to tackle hard technical problems, move fast, and have real impact at one of the fastest-growing voice AI startups.

Let’s build the future together.

• We’re a top 50 AI app in a16z list: https://tinyurl.com/5853dt2x

• #4 on Brex's Fast-Growing Software Vendors of 2025: https://www.brex.com/journal/brex-benchmark-december-2025

• We're also one of the top ranking startups on: https://leanaileaderboard.com/

• Enterprise tech 30: https://www.wing.vc/et30/overview

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer, you’ll deliver Retell’s voice AI solutions to enterprise clients, embedding with their teams to build production-ready systems. You’ll bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders with exceptional communication, driving adoption and shaping our platform through customer insights.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead end-to-end delivery of projects using Retell's voice agent platform - from prototyping to production, communicating progress and risks clearly.

• Become go-to experts on building voice AI solutions, especially LLM prompting tips & tricks.

• Build full-stack integrations (Python, JavaScript) with enterprise tools (e.g. CRMs, ERPs, scheduling tools)

• Partner with sales to engage clients to gather requirements, prototype demos, and present system designs.

• Scope projects, resolve blockers, and align teams with concise updates.

• Codify reusable patterns into tools or platform components.

• Translate field feedback into actionable product and GTM recommendations.

YOU MIGHT THRIVE IF

• Have 2+ years in customer-facing technical roles (e.g., Solutions Engineer, Technical PM, Customer Success/Support engineer, Ex-founder).

• Excel at communication & explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Have delivered systems in fast-paced, ambiguous settings.

• Write production-grade code (Python, JavaScript, or similar).

• Understand LLM-powered systems and their impact on user experience.

• Proactively manage risks and maintain momentum under pressure.

JOB DETAILS

• Cash: 180k - 300k

• Equity: Equity Provided

• Location: Redwood City, CA, US

• US Visas: Retell AI is open to sponsoring work authorization for qualified candidates, including H1B/H-1B, TN, L-1, E-3, F-1 (OPT/CPT), and O-1 visas.

OTHER BENEFITS

• 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance

• $70/day DoorDash credit for unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks

• $200/month wellness reimbursement (gym, fitness classes, etc.)

• $300/month commuter reimbursement (gas, Caltrain, etc.)

• $75/month phone bill reimbursement

• $50/month internet reimbursement

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

• Best Offer Upfront: Choose from three cash-equity balance options; no negotiation needed.

• Top 1% Talent: Above-market pay (top 5 percentile) to attract exceptional builders.

• High Ownership: Small teams, >$1M revenue/employee, and significant equity.

• Performance-Based: Offers tied to interview performance, not experience or past salaries.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Recruiter Intro Call (15min): Learn about us and share your background.

2. Technical Phone Interview (45 min): Live coding on CoderPad, explaining your approach.

3. Onsite/Virtual Interviews (2–3 hrs): Hosted in our office if located in the Bay Area or virtual, with three rounds:

   1. Communication: Persuade and align stakeholders.

   2. Architecture Case: Design a production-ready system.

   3. Problem-Solving: Build a full-stack solution under constraints in any basic environment setup like python, java, node.js, etc.