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Well... simply put, a forward deployed engineer is on the front lines of totally crushing it

"normal" software engineer - works at Palantir facilities

"forward-deployed" software engineer - works at Palantir's client's facilities

my understanding is forward deployed engineers set up shop in Palantir's clients' offices and implement the solution using Palantir's tech. Basically doing rollout and front-of-house tech support.

They are professional services. But instead of regular consulting, they are programmers and analysts, etc.

They sound cool and, to me, signal that their work is more meaningful.