Forward Deployed Engineer - ContractMorela is supporting a fast-growing AI start-up in hiring multiple Forward Deployed Engineers to work directly with customers, embedding into their environments to design, build and deploy high-impact AI solutions.This is not a back-office engineering role. You will be on the front line, translating ambiguous business problems into working AI systems, often under real-world constraints and with limited runway for iteration. If you are more comfortable shipping solutions with clients than sitting behind internal tickets, this is for you. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING Work directly with clients to understand their business challenges and translate them into scalable, working technical solutionsDesign and deploy AI and ML systems in production customer environmentsRapidly prototype, iterate and refine solutions based on real user feedback in real timeIntegrate AI models into existing client infrastructure and workflowsAct as a trusted technical partner to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersTroubleshoot and resolve issues in live environments under pressureBridge the gap between product, engineering and customer teams, keeping all parties aligned and delivery moving WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Core requirements: Strong, hands-on experience building and deploying AI and ML solutions in production, not just prototypesProven background in a consultancy, client-facing or customer-embedded technical roleAbility to operate in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with minimal guidance and maximum ownershipExcellent communication skills, equally comfortable with engineers and senior non-technical stakeholdersTrack record of owning delivery end-to-end: scoping through deployment through iteration Technical experience: Solid Python programming skills, production standardHands-on experience with modern AI stacks: LLMs, NLP, computer vision or similarFamiliarity with model deployment: APIs, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerisationExperience integrating AI into real-world systems, not just building models in isolationStrong understanding of data pipelines and system design Ideal candidate profile: Has worked as a Forward Deployed Engineer, Solutions Engineer or AI Consultant previouslyEqually comfortable writing production code and leading client conversations, often in the same hourPragmatic builder, focused on delivering value, not over-engineeringConfident enough to push back on clients when needed and guide them toward the right solutionThrives in high-impact, high-visibility environments where the work matters REALITY CHECK This role is not for someone who needs tightly defined requirements before they can start. It is not for someone who prefers purely internal engineering work, or who lacks confidence in a client-facing environment. WORKING SETUP London-based with 2-3 days per week on-site with clientsRemaining time remoteOutside IR35 — £750 per dayMultiple openings — contract length to be confirmed About MorelaMorela is one of the first dedicated recruitment practices globally specialising exclusively in Forward Deployed Engineers and high-calibre AI technical talent. We understand this space at a level most agencies simply do not — we know what a genuinely exceptional FDE looks like, where they are, and what it takes to get them to move. We place on both a permanent and contract basis across the UK, Europe and the US.To apply or discuss in strict confidence: ; | JBRP1_UKTJ