Forward Deployed Engineer Product & Engineering · Paris, Nantes
Akeneo
Product
Paris, France · Nantes, France
Forward Deployed Engineer
Akeneo is the Product Experience (PX) company and global leader in Product Information Management (PIM), creating a world where every product interaction is an experience that guides consumers and professionals to the best purchase, anytime, anywhere.
We're all about experience - from the best-in-class product we build to the inspiring environment we create for our employees. You'll grow in a dynamic environment where your ideas and expertise will make an impact from day one. Our flexible work model empowers you to thrive, balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. At Akeneo, you’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values open communication, shared successes, and meaningful relationships.
Learn more about our culture and values via our Career page.
Job description
Bridge the gap between vision and reality.
At Akeneo, we don't just build software; we solve the most complex product data orchestration challenges for global enterprises. As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you are the technical heartbeat of our most strategic customer engagements. You aren't tucked away behind a backlog—you are on the front lines, embedded with clients, and empowered to build the technical bridges that turn high-level strategy into high-performance reality.
This is a unique hybrid role designed for the "Product-Minded Engineer." Part software architect, part strategic consultant, and part rapid-prototyper, you thrive in the "gray area" where standard configurations end and innovation begins. You will lead technical workshops with C-suite stakeholders in the morning, and spend the afternoon writing the custom "glue code" or integration logic that unblocks a multi-million dollar deployment.
Why this role is different:
Real-World Impact: You won't just ship code to a staging environment; you’ll see your solutions transform how global brands manage and move their data in real-time.
Architectural Sovereignty: You have the autonomy to design bespoke integration patterns and influence the core product roadmap by acting as the "Voice of the Field" for our R&D teams.
The Best of Both Worlds: You enjoy the deep technical challenge of a Senior Engineer with the strategic influence and variety of a High-Level Consultant.
If you are a builder who loves high-stakes problem solving, hates the phrase "that’s not possible," and wants to be the technical "North Star" for our most ambitious partners, we want to meet you.
What we look for
Technical Architecture & Integration Mastery
API & System Interoperability: Deep understanding of RESTful APIs, webhooks, and data flows. Proven experience integrating SaaS platforms with complex client ecosystems (ERPs, PLMs, E-commerce) to ensure seamless, high-performance data synchronization.
Solution Architecture & Scoping: Ability to perform deep-dive assessments of client environments, gather complex technical requirements, and design scalable architectures that balance business objectives with technical constraints.
Rapid Prototyping: A "builder" mindset with the ability to rapidly develop functional proof-of-concepts or custom "glue code" to unblock clients while long-term product features are roadmapped.
Data Architecture & Catalog Design: You don't just move data; you architect it. You will assess a client's "data mess" and design a clean, performant Akeneo catalog structure—leveraging Product Models, Families, and Association Types, etc. —that ensures long-term scalability and seamless synchronization with downstream channels.
Implementation & Consulting Excellence
SaaS Deployment Track Record: Proven experience configuring and implementing SaaS solutions, ideally in a B2B environment. You have a history of successfully guiding enterprise clients through the full deployment lifecycle.
Technical Documentation & Diagramming: Proficiency in creating high-quality documentation, solution blueprints, and integration plans (using tools like Lucidchart, Miro, or Visio) to communicate deployment strategies clearly to both clients and internal R&D.
Product Training & Enablement: Skilled at leading workshops and technical training sessions. You can translate "product speak" into functional knowledge for clients and partners, ensuring they are self-sufficient post-launch.
Strategic Mindset & Leadership
The "Translator" Ability: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to explain high-level technical logic to non-technical stakeholders (C-Suite) without losing the strategic "why."
Entrepreneurial Ownership: A "Founder’s Mindset." You are comfortable in the "gray area," taking extreme ownership of high-stakes technical decisions when only 70% of the information is available.
Strategic Mobility: Ready and willing to be "on the front lines," including traveling to client sites (approx. 20-30%) to lead high-intensity workshops and oversee mission-critical "go-live" moments.
What will set you up for success
The "Frontline" Professional: Significant years of experience in Software Engineering, Solutions Architecture, or Technical Consulting—specifically within SaaS, PIM, ERP, or E-commerce ecosystems.
Software Engineering: Proficient in fullstack development (PHP/Symfony, Node, React - or similar). Experience with Git, CI/CD, and Docker is essential.
Project Leadership: Ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously, acting as the "Technical North Star" for the customer.
You don't need to tick every box. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience is slightly different, we still want to hear from you!
Interview process
30-minute screening call with a member of our Talent Acquisition team
45-minute technical project walkthrough with the hiring manager
90-minute behavioural interview with up to 3 members of the product line
90-minute technical interview with two of our Staff Engineers.
45-minute team fit interview with two of our team members
Life at Akeneo
Work Environment
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, and a hybrid setup allowing 3-4 days working from home and enjoy 34 days of annual leave and RTTs. Option to Work from Anywhere for up to 30 days per year.
- Home Office & Commuter Benefits: Enjoy a €500 budget to enhance your home office. 50% discount on the public transportation pass of your choice or a €45/month Sustainable Transportation Allowance to support eco-friendly commuting.
- Meal vouchers: Get your 50% employer-funded Swile card and benefit from €9,5 worth of meal vouchers per working day.
Inclusivity
- Generous Parental Leave: Benefit from 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, 4 weeks of paid leave for the second parent. A gradual return to work program is also available.
- Daycare: Providing access to a network of high-quality crèches, ensuring your little ones are cared for with a guaranteed number of cribs available.
- Community & Support: Engage in 2 paid volunteering days annually and join Employee Resource Groups dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the company.
Growth & Development
- Professional Development: Access a €1,000 annual budget for personal professional development and take advantage of career paths, internal mobility opportunities, and a "Women in Leadership Programme."
- Comprehensive Onboarding: Start on the right foot with an 8-week onboarding program.
Wellbeing
- Health & Insurance: Receive comprehensive private medical insurance for you and eligible dependents designed to cover between 91% and 94% of your health expenses, with various options to suit your needs.
- Financial Security: Protect your loved ones with life insurance covering up to 5 years of your salary, and safeguard your own financial stability with comprehensive income protection.
- Mental Health Support: Access individual and confidential sessions with a mental health practitioner or coach of your choice.
For more information about benefits, don’t hesitate to contact our Talent Acquisition team.
- Department
- Product & Engineering
- Role
- Engineering
- Locations
- Paris, Nantes
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Working policy
- Hybrid
About Akeneo
Akeneo is the product experience (PX) company and global leader in Product Information Management (PIM); creating a world where every product interaction is an experience that guides consumers and professionals to the best purchase, anytime, anywhere. Akeneo empowers business leaders with software, education, and an engaged community all focused on the practice of product experience management.