Founding Forward Deployed Engineer

About HappyRobot HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across voice, email, and enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z and Base10 with over $60M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide. Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments - where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy. Learn more about our vision in our manifesto. https://www.happyrobot.ai/blog/manifesto Role Overview We’re looking for a Forward Deployed Engineer (Founding Australia Team Member). This will be the first technical hire in the region and the second team member locally. You’ll work directly with the Country General Manager to define how HappyRobot operates and scales in Australia. You’ll combine strong technical ability with exceptional communication skills, working directly with enterprise customers to design, deploy, and optimize AI workers within their operations. Beyond delivering high-quality AI deployments, you’ll help establish the local playbook — shaping how we onboard customers, deploy AI workers, create feedback loops into product, and build the foundation for future hires in the region. At HappyRobot, there’s no bureaucracy or rigid hierarchy. We operate as builders — we execute, we ship, we take ownership, and we care deeply about customer outcomes. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Customer-Facing Engineering – Work closely with customers from onboarding to ongoing usage, helping them integrate and optimize our AI solutions. - Technical Development – Build new features, MVPs, and scalable solutions that directly impact customer outcomes. - Full-Stack Development – Utilize React, TypeScript, Node.js, and Python to develop robust applications and tools. - AI/ML Applications – Design, implement, and iterate on AI/ML solutions, including LLM prompting, tuning of voices, and transcribers to optimize use cases. - Integration & APIs – Manage APIs and integrations with third-party systems to ensure seamless functionality for customers. - Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner with Product, Engineering, and Customer Success teams to deliver tailored solutions. - Iterative Problem-Solving – Continuously iterate and improve AI solutions based on customer feedback and evolving requirements. - Project Management – Prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality results. MUST HAVE - Strong full-stack experience: React, TypeScript, Node.js. - Hands-on proficiency in Python. - Experience building AI/ML applications, including LLM prompting and tuning. - Ability to manage APIs and integrate with third-party systems. - Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. - Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. - Founder mindset: highly independent, takes ownership, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. WHY JOIN US? - High Agency, High Impact – Be the first technical hire in Australia and help shape how HappyRobot grows in the region, leveraging HappyRobot’s global playbooks. - 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: b