Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human
Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence.
This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk.
Role / Responsibilities
As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDEs) you will operate at the intersection of product engineering and customer impact.
As an FDE, you will be embedded within some of Okta’s most strategic customers, working side-by-side with their engineering teams to build and deploy solutions using our platform. Unlike traditional Solutions Architects or Solutions Consultants, you will write production code, shape technical architecture, and directly influence how Okta's products are used at massive scale as we are on our mission to Secure AI. In this role, you will be the key liaison as both a technical extension of understanding our customers needs, and knowing what our engineering teams can build at scale - helping us win the Agentic Security market!
This role is ideal for engineers who want to:
What you’ll be doing
- "Builder" Innovation: Lead the development of Lab/Demo assets and AI prototyping. Create "The Engine" for sales velocity by ensuring pricing strategies and technical execution are aligned with field reality.
- Asset Creation & Scaling: Develop reference architectures, whitepapers, and standardized POC guides. Create the "Backbone" of knowledge—centralized hubs and reporting dashboards—to scale AI expertise globally.
- Field Enablement & "The Loop": Provide strategic guidance to SEs, TAMs, and Professional Services. Act as the feedback loop, funneling field insights back to Product to close technical gaps and ensure the solution fits complex customer environments.
- Market Influence: Represent Okta's AI strategy at conferences and analyst briefings while building alliances with cloud and AI partners to accelerate innovation.
- Technical Leadership & Roadmap Influence: Act as the executive AI authority for Okta’s portfolio. Partner with the CPO, CISO, and Engineering to influence roadmaps with "AI-first" innovations and modular, repeatable solution patterns.
- Full-Lifecycle Strategic Engagement: Serve as a trusted advisor to CISOs and CIOs. Lead high-impact POCs to secure "The Win," and remain engaged through outcome mapping to ensure the technical delivery matches the initial vision.
- Expansion & Churn Prevention: Identify technical upsell opportunities through successful usage. Partner with Post-Sales teams to develop runbooks and implementation guides that reduce manual effort and increase customer adoption.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Domain Expertise: 10+ years in identity, cybersecurity, AI, or Data Science.
- Full-Lifecycle Perspective: Experience driving technical customer success beyond the initial sale, including implementation, health monitoring, and expansion.
- Technical Depth: Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies (anomaly detection, LLMs) and Agentic Frameworks (A2A, MCP, and relevant protocols).
- Executive Presence: Strong credibility with enterprise CISOs and boards, with a proven track record of shaping cybersecurity strategy.
- Operational Mindset: Ability to create repeatable playbooks and "backbone" assets that allow a sales organization to scale.
- Leadership Background: Prior experience as a CTO, Field CTO, or Distinguished Architect in a cybersecurity or SaaS company.
- Education: Advanced degree in a technical or business-related field.
#LI-SC
#LI-Remote
PID - P24677
Below is the annual On Target Compensation (OTE) range for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York and Washington. Your actual OTE, which is inclusive of base salary and incentive compensation, will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. In addition, Okta offers equity (where applicable) and benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and paid leave (including PTO and parental leave) in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. To learn more about our Total Rewards program please visit: https://rewards.okta.com/us.
The Okta Experience
- Supporting Your Well-Being
- Driving Social Impact
- Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community
We are intentional about connection. Our global community, spanning over 20 offices worldwide, is united by a drive to innovate. Your journey begins with an immersive, in-person onboarding experience designed to accelerate your impact and connect you to our mission and team from day one.
Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws.
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