Senior Forward Deployed Engineer

ABOUT RETELL AI

Retell AI is using first-principles thinking to reimagine the call center with cutting-edge voice AI. Thousands of companies now use 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've scaled to $80M in ARR with a team of 50, up from $5M at the start of 2025, and are now valued at over $1.5B.

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).
• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• 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: 160k - 300k
• Equity: Equity Provided
• Location: Redwood City, CA, US - relocation provided
• 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

• Recruiter Intro Call (15 min): Learn more about Retell and share your background and experience.
• Technical Interview (60 min): Live practical coding
• Product & Customer Screen (60 min): Focused on product understanding and how customers use Retell.
• Onsite/Virtual Interviews (2 hrs): 90-minute technical interview followed by a 30-minute meeting with the team.