Forward Deployed Engineer, New Grad

Department: Applied AI

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Compensation: $150K – $260K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

ABOUT RETELL AI

Retell AI is using first-principles thinking to reimagine the call center with cutting-edge voice AI. Thousands of companies now use Retell's AI voice agents to handle sales, support, and logistics calls that once required large teams of human agents. Backed by Y Combinator, Alt Capital, and other leading investors, we've scaled to $80M in ARR with a team of 50, up from $5M at the start of 2025, and are now valued at over $1.5B.

Our vision for 2026 is to build a modern CX platform where entire contact centers are powered by AI. Instead of basic automation that needs constant human tuning, we're creating intelligent AI “workers” that act as frontline agents, QA analysts, and managers, continuously executing, monitoring, and improving every customer interaction.

We're growing fast and looking for ambitious builders who want to tackle hard technical problems, move quickly, and have a real impact on one of the fastest-growing voice AI companies in the world.

Let's build the future together.

Recent recognition:

• No. 1 Best Places to Work in the Bay Area, San Francisco Business Times 2026

• Top 50 AI Apps, a16z (2025)

• #3 Fastest-Growing Software Company, G2 Best Software Awards 2026

• Best Agentic AI Software, G2 Best Software Awards 2026

• #4 Fastest-Growing Software Vendor, Brex Benchmark 2025

• Enterprise Tech 30 Class of 2026, Nasdaq & Wing VC

• Top-Ranked Startup, Lean AI Leaderboard

• Backed by Y Combinator

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're looking for new grad builders who want to get their hands dirty and work directly with customers.

As a Forward Deployed Engineer, you'll work closely with enterprise clients to build and launch voice AI solutions. You'll spend roughly 50% of your time building and 50% working directly with customers, helping understand their needs, solve problems, and get projects into production.

This is a great fit for someone who has completed technical internships, has a strong interest in startups, and genuinely enjoys working with people and customers.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build and launch voice AI solutions for enterprise customers.

• Write production code in Python, JavaScript, or similar languages.

• Build integrations with CRMs, ERPs, scheduling tools, and other systems.

• Work directly with customers to understand their needs and solve technical problems.

• Partner with sales on demos, prototypes, and technical discussions.

• Learn Retell's platform and become an expert in building voice AI agents.

• Turn customer feedback into product and engineering improvements.

YOU MIGHT THRIVE IF

• You're a recent graduate with a strong technical background.

• You've completed one or more software engineering, technical, or similar internships.

• You like building things and figuring things out on your own.

• You have a strong interest in startups and want to work in a fast-moving environment.

• You enjoy working directly with customers and explaining technical concepts.

• You're comfortable with ambiguity and taking ownership.

• You can code in Python, JavaScript, or a similar language.

• You're excited about AI and want to learn how to build real-world AI systems.

JOB DETAILS

• Cash: $150k - $260k

• Equity: Equity Provided

• Location: Redwood City, CA, US (Relocation Provided)

• US Visas: Retell AI is open to sponsoring work authorization for qualified candidates, including H1B/H-1B, TN, L-1, E-3, F-1 (OPT/CPT), and O-1 visas.

OTHER BENEFITS

• 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance

• $70/day DoorDash credit for unlimited breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks

• $200/month wellness reimbursement

• $300/month commuter reimbursement

• $75/month phone bill reimbursement

• $50/month internet reimbursement

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

• Best Offer Upfront: Choose from three cash-equity balance options; no negotiation needed.

• Top 1% Talent: Above-market pay to attract exceptional builders.

• High Ownership: Small teams, significant responsibility, and meaningful equity.

• Performance-Based: Offers tied to interview performance, not experience or past salaries.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Online Assessment

• Recruiter Intro Call (15 min): Learn about us and share your background.

• Technical Phone Interview (45min): Live practical coding

• Technical Phone Interview (45 min): Customer facing systems design

• Onsite/Virtual Interviews (2–3 hrs): Three rounds focused on communication, architecture, and problem-solving.