Executive Search Firm Christian & Timbers Estimates Only 2,000 Engineers in the U.S. Possess the Special Combination of Sector Know-How, Gravitas, and Hands-on Applied AI Experience Needed to Deliver Consistent ROI

Christian & Timbers, a prominent executive search firm, has revealed that there are approximately 2,000 engineers in the United States who possess the unique combination of sector know-how, gravitas, and hands-on applied AI experience necessary to consistently help enterprises see a return on their AI investments.

According to a study shared exclusively with TechCrunch, this number is not 2,000 available, but rather 2,000 total. As enterprises shift their focus from accessing the best AI models to implementing them into workflows that meaningfully improve their bottom line, forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) are poised to become the most sought-after specialists in the AI industry.

Demand for FDEs is Rising Rapidly, Projected to Surge by 2,100% by the End of the Year

The research, which draws on interviews with over 250 C-suite hiring executives across 180 companies, a focused survey of 80 Fortune 500 executives, and interviews with more than 300 FDEs and applied AI engineers, reveals that demand for FDEs is already on the rise. In fact, the study projects that demand for these specialists will surge by a staggering 2,100% by the end of the year.

Companies are Hiring Teams of FDEs to Keep Knowledge of Proprietary Processes In-House

Christian & Timbers’ study found that companies are no longer just hiring individual FDEs, but rather teams of these specialists to keep knowledge of proprietary processes in-house. This is a clear indication that enterprises are taking a more strategic approach to AI adoption, recognizing the importance of retaining control over their AI initiatives.

The Role of FDEs is Expected to Shift from Enterprise AI to Physical AI in the Medium-Term

While the demand for FDEs is expected to continue growing in the short-term, Christian & Timbers’ founder, Jeff Christian, predicts that the role of FDEs will shift from enterprise AI to physical AI in the medium-term. As companies begin to implement humanoid robots and other physical AI systems into their workflows, the need for FDEs will adapt to meet these new challenges.

The Future of the FDE Role Remains Uncertain

While the demand for FDEs is expected to continue growing in the short-term, Christian warns that the role of FDEs may not always be in demand. In fact, he predicts that the need for FDEs may disappear altogether within the next 5-10 years, as AI becomes increasingly automated and capable of performing tasks that were previously the domain of humans.