Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)- Python

Overview

We are seeking a Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE) embeds directly with customers to implement, customize, and operationalize complex software, acting as a bridge between engineering and customer success by solving specific problems, unblocking integrations, and feeding insights back to product teams, blending technical skills with customer empathy and often involving travel to client sites. They adapt core products to unique needs, accelerating adoption and delivering value in real-world environments

You will act as the senior technical lead for customizing and extending our embedded platform—owning integrations, API‑driven experiences, application‑layer enhancements, and customer solution delivery.

This role includes hands-on development work across Python, React, AWS, and Django, as well as direct collaboration with customers, partners, and indirect channel teams to ensure successful adoption of our platform

Responsibilities

Customer Collaboration & Developer Relations

• Serve as the primary technical interface for customers, partners, and indirect channel teams.
• Host technical discussions, requirement‑gathering sessions, and architecture reviews directly with customers.
• Provide developer support, guidance, and best practices for integration and implementation.
• Represent the embedded team in developer‑facing demos, product enablement, and partner technical workshops.
• Translate customer needs into actionable engineering tasks, ensuring platform capabilities align with business goals.

Platform Customization & Embedded Engineering

• Lead the design and implementation of custom features, enhancements, and integrations across our platform.
• Develop application‑layer components and service extensions using Python, Django, and REST‑based APIs.
• Build and integrate customer‑facing portal/UI components in React.
• Leverage AWS services to build scalable, cloud-backed integrations.

Architecture, API & Systems Integration

• Own the documentation and development of APIs, SDKs, and interface design documents (IDDs).
• Ensure seamless integration between on‑device components, microservices, and customer systems.

Technical Troubleshooting & Tier‑3 Support

• Diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Provide senior‑level technical escalation support for customers and internal teams.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and drive long‑term corrective improvements across the platform.

Project Delivery & Leadership

• Lead customer‑specific development initiatives from ideation through deployment.
• Own timelines, deliverables, and technical direction for customization projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and influence cross‑team engineering best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer related discipline or equivalent work experience
• 7 years of experience in Related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise in Python, with experience building backend services or integration layers (Django strongly preferred).
• Proficiency in React for developing customer‑facing interfaces or partner tools.
• Experience with AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, S3, CloudWatch, IAM, or related services).
• Strong experience with embedded systems development.
• Experience with API design, interface documentation, and integration workflows.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including customers and indirect channel partners.
• Proven success in customer-facing engineering, developer support, or solutions engineering roles.

Compensation

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share that the starting base pay range for this position is $133,630 - $209,990. Please keep in mind that this range is the base pay only and does not consider other components that make up the total rewards package for the position. If you are hired at Paychex, your overall compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience which may result in total compensation outside of this range.

Live the Paychex Values

Act with uncompromising integrity.

Provide outstanding service and build trusted relationships.

Drive innovation in our products and services and continually improve our processes.

Work in partnership and support each other.

Be personally accountable and deliver on commitments.

Treat each other with respect and dignity.

What's in it for you?

• We value your well-being: We provide over 21 comprehensive rewards, including medical coverage, virtual wellness classes, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) + employer match, adoption assistance, financial assistance, and much more.
• We value your time: From paid time off to company holidays, culture days, and comprehensive work-life balance programs, we will ensure you have the flexibility you need to be your best.
• We value your development: Our award-winning training and development programs empower our employees with ongoing learning opportunities to give you the building blocks to grow your career.
• We value your perspective: Our company culture reflects the diversity of our employees. We want you to be you and your voice to be heard.
• We value our communities: We offer paid time off for volunteerism and promote many company-wide and local initiatives that benefit organizations you care about.

Note: The benefits described apply to full-time employees. Benefits for part-time, contract, and intern roles may vary.

Not sure if you meet every requirement?

At Paychex, we know that great talent comes in many forms. If you're passionate about the role but don't check every box, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the right fit - either for this position or another opportunity with us.

Paychex is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated fairly and evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.