TENEX is an AI-native, automation-first, built-for-scale Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider. We combine cutting-edge AI with human expertise to deliver security operations that are better, faster, and more cost-effective than traditional approaches.
We're a fast-growing startup backed by industry experts and top-tier investors led by Crosspoint Capital. Our team is mission-driven, customer-obsessed, and building something that matters — a new standard for how security operations should work.
Culture is one of the most important things at TENEX.AI — explore our culture deck at culture.tenex.ai to witness how we embody our values every day.
This role is perfect for those already in the Sarasota, FL or Kansas City, MO metro area, or eager to join us. Immerse yourself in a high-performance environment built on integrity, innovation, and a relentless drive to protect our customers.
About the RoleAs Director of Forward Deployed AI Engineering, you lead the most innovative team in the TENEX FDE organization — a dual-function group of customer-embedded engineers and AI & Data Scientists working to solve hard problems and build solutions that scale. You will define how the team engages with customers, how solutions are built and productized, and how AI-native tooling accelerates the work.
Job ResponsibilitiesLead and scale the Forward Deployed AI Engineering team across its two functions: customer-embedded engineering and AI & Data Science
Own the team's mandate: embed in strategic customer accounts to discover problems, build high-grade solutions, and produce cross-customer intelligence that elevates the entire platform
Define the engagement model for FDE work — how engineers are assigned to accounts, how engagements are scoped, and how solutions are documented and productized
Oversee the AI & Data Science function — ensuring cross-customer telemetry, threat intelligence, and detection optimization work is translated into tools that the SE&A team can operate
Partner with Sales to identify strategic accounts that are candidates for FDE engagement
Partner with the SE&A and Rapid Deployment teams to ensure FDE-built solutions flow back into the broader delivery model
Serve as an executive-level presence with strategic customers — participating in account reviews and helping define the roadmap for embedded engagements
Evaluate new AI technologies, data science tooling, and engineering approaches that can improve team output and customer outcomes
Hire, develop, and retain engineers across both the FDE and AI & DS functions
Report to VP of Forward Deployed Engineering on team health, account coverage, and solution impact
8+ years in technical leadership with experience in embedded engineering, professional services, or customer-facing technical roles
Deep understanding of AI/ML, data science, and cybersecurity domains
Experience building teams that work in a customer-embedded or problem-first engineering model
Strong ability to define engagement models, scoping frameworks, and delivery methodologies
Proven track record partnering with Sales on strategic account identification and expansion
Executive-level communication and customer relationship management skills
Experience managing cross-functional collaboration across engineering, security, and data science
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with a bias toward action
Excellent customer-facing communication and collaboration abilities
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance startup environment
Passion for cybersecurity, automation, and continuous improvement
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC certifications, Google Cloud Professional, Microsoft SC-200/AZ-500, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are a plus
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI-driven cybersecurity technologies and next-generation security platforms
Collaborate with a talented and innovative team focused on continuously improving security operations
Competitive salary and benefits package
A culture of growth and development, with opportunities to expand your expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and engineering
Be part of building something new — TENEX's Forward Deployed Engineering organization is a greenfield opportunity to define how enterprise security is delivered at scale
Skills Required
- 8+ years in technical leadership
- Experience in embedded engineering or customer-facing roles
- Deep understanding of AI, ML, data science, and cybersecurity
- Ability to define engagement models and delivery methodologies
- Executive-level communication and customer relationship skills
- Experience managing cross-functional collaboration
What We Do
TENEX is a cybersecurity company leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and human expertise to transform enterprise security. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Shield Capital, TENEX’s flagship offering is a next-generation Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, transforming how organizations detect and respond to threats. With deep expertise in Google and Microsoft security ecosystems and state-of-the-art AI capabilities, TENEX empowers enterprises to enhance threat detection, agility, and resilience while maximizing the value of their security investments.
