Forward Deployed Engineer - San Francisco - Happy Robot

Description

About HappyRobot
HappyRobot is the AI-native operating system for the real economy-a system that closes the circuit between intelligence and action. By combining real-time truth, specialized AI workers, and an orchestrating intelligence, we help enterprises run complex, mission-critical operations with true autonomy.
Our AI OS compounds knowledge, optimizes at every level, and evolves over time. We're starting with supply chain and industrial-scale operations, where resilience, speed, and continuous improvement matter most-freeing humans to focus on strategy, creativity, and other high-value tasks.
You can learn more about our vision in our Manifesto. HappyRobot has raised $62M to date, including our most recent $44M Series B in September 2025. Our investors include Y Combinator (YC), Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and Base10-partners who believe in our mission to redefine how enterprises operate. We're channeling this investment into building a world-class team: people with relentless drive, sharp problem-solving skills, and the passion to push limits in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment. If this resonates, you belong at HappyRobot.
About the Role
This role requires both strong technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
You're a versatile engineer who thrives in a role that blends customer engineering with technical development. You will work closely with our customers from onboarding through to their ongoing use of Happyrobot's AI platform, ensuring they maximize the value of our solutions.
Tech Profile

• Comfortable Full-Stack: React, TypeScript,
• Strong proficiency in Python with hands-on experience.
• Experience building AI/ML applications.
• Manage APIs and other tools for robust integration with various third-party systems.
• LLM prompting and tuning of voices and transcribers. Constant iteration to perfect use cases.
• Building new features or entire MVPs.

Must have

• Fluency in Japanase
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Founder Mindset: Hard work + independence + ownership.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to work at a high-growth AI startup, backed by top investors.
• Rapidly growing and backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, and Base10.
• Ownership & Autonomy - Take full ownership of projects and ship fast.
• Top-Tier Compensation - Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup.
• Work With the Best - Join a world-class team of engineers and builders

Our Operating Principles
Extreme Ownership
We take full responsibility for our work, outcomes, and team success. No excuses, no blame-shifting - if something needs fixing, we own it and make it better. This means stepping up, even when it's not "your job." If a ball is dropped, we pick it up. If a customer is unhappy, we fix it. If a process is broken, we redesign it. We don't wait for someone else to solve it - we lead with accountability and expect the same from those around us.
Craftsmanship
Putting care and intention into every task, striving for excellence, and taking deep ownership of the quality and outcome of your work. Craftsmanship means never settling for "just fine." We sweat the details because details compound. Whether it's a product feature, an internal doc, or a sales call - we treat it as a reflection of our standards. We aim to deliver jaw-dropping customer experiences by being curious, meticulous, and proud of what we build - even when nobody's watching.
We are "majos"
Be friendly & have fun with your coworkers. Always be genuine & honest, but kind. "Majo" is our way of saying: be a good human. Be approachable, helpful, and warm. We're building something ambitious, and it's easier (and more fun) when we enjoy the ride together. We give feedback with kindness, challenge each other with respect, and celebrate wins together without ego.
Urgency with Focus
Create the highest impact in the shortest amount of time. Move fast, but in the right direction. We operate with speed because time is our most limited resource. But speed without focus is chaos. We prioritize ruthlessly, act decisively, and stay aligned. We aim for high leverage: the biggest results from the simplest, smartest actions. We're running a high-speed marathon - not a sprint with no strategy.
Talent Density and Meritocracy
Hire only people who can raise the average; 'exceptional performance is the passing grade.' Ability trumps seniority. We believe the best teams are built on talent density - every hire should raise the bar. We reward contribution, not titles or tenure. We give ownership to those who earn it, and we all hold each other to a high standard. A-players want to work with other A-players - that's how we win.
First-Principles Thinking
Strip a problem to physics-level facts, ignore industry dogma, rebuild the solution from scratch. We don't copy-paste solutions. We go back to basics, ask why things are the way they are, and rebuild from the ground up if needed. This mindset pushes us to innovate, challenge stale assumptions, and move faster than incumbents. It's how we build what others think is impossible.
The personal data provided in your application and during the selection process will be processed by Happyrobot, Inc., acting as Data Controller.
By sending us your CV, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of evaluating and selecting you as a candidate for the position. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the recruitment process of the selected job offer.
In relation to the period of conservation of your personal data, these will be eliminated after three months of inactivity in compliance with the GDPR and legislation on the protection of personal data.
If you wish to exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability or opposition in relation to your personal data, you can do so through subject to the GDPR.
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