India’s AI boom is creating jobs that go well beyond conventional software engineering. According to Indeed, postings for forward deployed engineers (FDEs) grew nearly 19 fold between June 2025 and June 2026, peaking at an 1,807 per cent year on year rise in June. Even after moderating, demand remained far higher than the previous year, suggesting FDEs are becoming a structural part of how companies deploy technology.
The role blends technical depth with customer engagement. FDEs are expected to work directly with clients, assess whether AI systems fit workflows, and ensure deployments deliver measurable business results. Skills listed on Glassdoor include Python, Java, machine learning (ML), generative AI, cloud technologies and APIs, alongside stakeholder management and problem solving. Salaries vary widely: Glassdoor submissions show averages around Rs 12 lakh annually, with experienced FDEs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad reporting total pay packages of Rs 22–27 lakh.
At the same time, data centre jobs have nearly doubled in two years, now accounting for 1.3 per cent of all postings. These roles span engineering, project management and facility operations, with average pay between Rs 8–12 lakh and senior positions reaching Rs 16–19 lakh. Community discussions reveal professionals exploring pathways from IT support into advanced data centre roles, often through certifications rather than formal degrees.
For HR leaders, the implications are clear. Artificial intelligence (AI) hiring is no longer confined to coders—it now requires engineers who can bridge technology and business, and infrastructure talent to keep systems running at scale. Workforce planning must adapt to new job categories, transparent career pathways and evolving skill sets. The rise of FDEs and data centre specialists signals that India’s AI economy will depend on a broad, multi disciplinary talent base.
