Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

Company

NestAI is Europe’s fastest-growing physical AI lab. We build open, sovereign, and reliable autonomous systems and AI-enabled command capabilities for real-world operations — environments where reliability isn’t optional.

Our work spans defence, security, and other mission-critical domains where systems must earn trust through performance, not promises. At the core of what we build is an open, modular, and interoperable AI command foundation that integrates data from multiple sources — from UAV sensors and edge devices to situational intelligence platforms — and turns it into decision support and operational capability.

Rooted in Nordic engineering heritage, we focus on openness, reliability, and systems that earn trust through performance. We work with intent, iterate fast, and build technology that protects what matters most.

Role Description

As a Senior Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you manage the technical delivery and integration of NestAI’s autonomous systems for our partners. This is not a standard implementation role; it is a high-stakes engineering position where you tailor our products to the complex, real-world environments of our most critical partners.

You will be ensuring that our autonomous systems are not just delivered, but deeply integrated and operationally superior. We are looking for a senior builder who understands that in mission-critical domains, "good enough" doesn't exist. You will bring a high degree of architectural depth to solve problems where software meets hardware in the physical world.

We are looking for a FDE to join our team full-time in Tampere, Helsinki, Oulu, Turku or Jyväskylä.

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Mission-Specific Engineering: Technical leadership for client projects, taking full ownership of the technology decisions for rapidly deploying and customizing our platforms to our client specific needs.
• Architectural Integration: Design, develop and deploy robust solutions that connect edge devices, UAV sensors, and situational intelligence platforms into a cohesive operational picture that supports our customers operating environments.
• AI-Driven Development: Utilize AI-driven development workflows to accelerate delivery cycles with our platforms without compromising the "sovereign and reliable" core of our systems.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Work closely with both the client’s operational teams and our internal R&D to translate complex field requirements into scalable technical features. Create rapid prototypes for exploring future client aspirations.
• Technical Leadership: Act as the primary technical point of contact for the project, providing the architectural "glue" between disparate data sources and decision-support interfaces.

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Qualifications:

• Senior Engineering Pedigree: Extensive experience in a senior engineering or Solution Architect role. This is a senior-tier position requiring the maturity to handle complex stakeholder environments.
• Specialized Background: A deep technical foundation and 5+ years of experience in at least one of the following: Cloud, AI, Edge Computing, Machine Learning, or Data Engineering.
• Spatial & Systems Thinking: A proven ability to think in "spatial" terms—understanding how AI interacts with physical environments and complex hardware architectures.
• Industry Context: Previous experience in the Defence domain is a significant advantage. Alternatively, experience in related physical AI domains.
• Operational Readiness: Ability to travel occasionally (up to 10% of worktime) to client sites within Europe to ensure field-proven performance.

Mindset: You thrive in "mission-first" environments and possess the Nordic engineering ethos of building systems that earn trust through performance, not promises.

Why join NestAI

At NestAI, you’ll build meaningful, real-world technology as part of a world-class team of engineers, scientists, and experienced professionals. You’ll work on systems where reliability genuinely matters, contribute to Europe’s security and resilience, and solve problems that demand depth, trust, and craftsmanship.

If you want to build with purpose — and with leading experts in the field — you’ve come to the right place.

Perks & Benefits

We offer a growing set of practical benefits to support your work and wellbeing, day to day:

• Occupational healthcare (currently provided by Mehiläinen)
• Epassi Flex benefit (sports, culture, commuting, wellbeing)
• Lunch benefit (25% tax-free coverage)
• Regular team lunches and all-hands events
• Your choice of Mac or PC
• Holiday allowance (50% of holiday salary)
• Phone benefit according to company policy (subscription and device)

We are continuously developing and expanding our benefits as we grow.

Practicalities

Employment is subject to applicable security screening (including SUPO, where required).

Currently NestAI is focusing to hire talent already located in Finland. Remote work from abroad is not unfortunately possible. Relocation within Europe might be an option - if it is an option for you as well, please bring the topic up in your cover letter!

NestAI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants based on their skills, experience, and potential.