Solutions Engineer

Forward Deployed Engineer

Relay is building the next generation of human-in-the-loop Physical AI — intelligent systems that don't just live in data centers and dashboards, but operate in the real world: embedded in the workflows of the people who build, move, and maintain the physical infrastructure of the modern economy.

Our Relay platform brings AI-native situational awareness, real-time operational intelligence, and automated decision support to frontline environments. Where legacy software stops at the edge of the office, Relay's platform goes all the way to the floor — turning unstructured operational data into coordinated action, at scale, in real time.

This is not a traditional sales engineering role. FDEs at Relay are builders and operators first. You will architect and implement AI-driven solutions directly alongside customers, own technical deployments, and serve as the primary technical authority across the entire pre-sales and initial operationalization lifecycle.

In the manufacturing sector, this means operating at the intersection of production systems, operational data, and Physical AI — turning complex plant-floor realities into working, deployed solutions that measurably transform how manufacturers run their operations, with a focus on Automotive, Food & beverage, Steel and Paper manufacturing.

You'll work directly with plant leadership, IT and OT teams, and C-suite stakeholders. You'll write code, configure integrations, build PoCs, and run deployments in the field.

Key responsibilities include:

• Pre-Sales & AI Solution Architecture
• Field Deployment & Technical Leadership
• Enablement & Knowledge Transfer
• Cross-functional Influence

What we're looking for:

Required qualifications:

• 1–3+ years in a customer-facing technical role
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex manufacturing or industrial business problems into sophisticated, AI-driven technical solutions
• Hands-on experience building, implementing, and delivering compelling technical demonstrations and working PoC deployments using modern AI/ML tooling and APIs
• Experience leading enterprise technical diligence
• Ability to write code and build working prototypes in the field
• Exceptional communication skills
• High tolerance for ambiguity
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical technical experience

Strong advantage:

• Direct experience with manufacturing operations, OT/IT convergence, industrial systems, or plant-floor environments
• Familiarity with real-time operational data systems, IoT infrastructure, or industrial automation platforms
• Prior experience in a true FDE model

Travel:

• Up to 50% domestic travel to meet with prospective customers and support sales and initial implementation engagements, particularly for strategic AI opportunities

About Relay | Culture, Benefits & Perks

Our culture hinges on Relayers getting LIT up in an environment that fosters Learning, Impact, and Teamwork, where we CHASE the best work of our lives. We call this BWIML (Best Work In My Life).

At Relay, we offer:

• 100% Paid Insurance:
  Health, Dental, Vision, Long/Short Term Disability, and Life Insurance for you and your dependents
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Savings Plan + Company Match
• Baby Cash Reward + Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Perks:
  If you're joining our Raleigh-based HQ, you'll have access to a world-class onsite fitness center with instructor-led classes, plus tennis, basketball, pickleball, and cycling
• Team Events & Culture:
  From company celebrations to team outings, we work hard and have fun doing it.
• Latest tech, standing desks, and all the tools and software you need to thrive

The future of frontline work is being built here. Come build it with us. We can't wait to hear from you

At Relay, we're building something special, and we believe our relationships with each other and our customers are the foundation of our success. This is a fully onsite role at our Raleigh, NC headquarters, with up to 50% travel expected. In-office presence is the norm when not traveling.