FDE Lead Architect (GCP)

About the position The FDE Lead Architect is a senior leadership role within TEKsystems Global Services, responsible for launching and operationalizing the Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) practice. This position is pivotal in driving the strategic direction, execution, and continuous improvement of the FDE model, embedding elite engineering talent with strategic clients to co-create innovative solutions for their most complex and ambiguous technical challenges. The FDE Lead Architect will architect and oversee the delivery of rapid, high-impact prototypes, working closely with C-level stakeholders to translate business problems into tangible proofs of value. This role demands a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and exceptional leadership to ensure the FDE team accelerates sales cycles, increases win rates, and generates reusable intellectual property for the organization. Success in this role means establishing TEKsystems as a trusted innovation partner, building a culture of rapid experimentation, and ensuring seamless transitions from prototype to billable engagements. The FDE Lead Architect will manage engagements with significant business impact, often influencing multi-million-dollar opportunities across diverse industries.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Practice Development
• Define and drive the strategic vision and roadmap for the FDE practice, aligning with company goals and market opportunities.
• Develop and mature a comprehensive suite of FDE service offerings, ensuring coordination with other practices and establishing TEKsystems as a thought leader in forward deployed engineering.
• Champion a culture of innovation by identifying and adopting emerging technologies, methodologies, and tools relevant to rapid prototyping and solution delivery.
• Oversee the creation and curation of intellectual property, reusable assets, and best practices to enhance delivery efficiency and quality.
• Architecture & Delivery Excellence
• Architect and oversee the design and delivery of rapid, functional prototypes that address clients’ most pressing challenges, following a structured multi-stage engagement framework (from opportunity qualification to solution transition).
• Ensure prototypes are built with reusability and scalability in mind, contributing to a growing library of solution patterns and IP.
• Lead technical reviews to ensure architectural integrity, risk mitigation, and alignment with client objectives.
• Guide the transition of successful prototypes into full-scale, billable engagements, ensuring seamless handoff to delivery teams.
• Client Engagement & Pre-Sales Leadership
• Serve as the principal technical advisor for C-level client executives, articulating the business value and strategic implications of FDE solutions.
• Lead pre-sales activities, including opportunity qualification, solution evangelism, proposal development, and proof-of-concept delivery.
• Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders, deeply embedding with their teams to understand business needs and drive innovation.
• Identify and capitalize on additional opportunities within client environments, fostering long-term partnerships and account growth.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Provide strong technical leadership, mentorship, and career development guidance to the FDE team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee resource allocation, ensuring optimal team composition and skill alignment for strategic projects.
• Conduct performance reviews and support professional growth within the team.
• Operational & Financial Oversight
• Manage the FDE team’s operational model, including a hybrid onshore/offshore structure and a scalable pod approach (ideation, implementation, operational readiness).
• Maintain financial and contractual responsibility for the profitability and sustainability of FDE engagements.
• Leverage partner incentive programs and internal investment to fund and scale the FDE practice.
• Track and report on key metrics such as win rate, sales velocity, deal size, and influenced revenue.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in technology and/or professional services, with a strong focus on solution architecture, rapid prototyping, and client-facing delivery.
• 7+ years in a direct technical leadership capacity, managing and mentoring engineering teams.
• Demonstrated success in architecting and delivering complex, high-value solutions in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Extensive experience in pre-sales, solution consulting, and trusted advisory roles with senior executives.
• Proven ability to develop and implement frameworks for rapid prototyping, IP management, and solution transition.
• Deep technical expertise across cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure), modern engineering practices, and emerging technologies.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to align technical solutions with business outcomes.
• Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect) are required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with hybrid team models and scaling engineering practices across geographies is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated thought leadership through publications, presentations, or community contributions is a plus.
• Additional certifications in agile methodologies, solution architecture, or related domains are a plus.
• Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life and AD&D for employee and dependents)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

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