Project Manager / TPM to FDE
in 90 Days
A 13-week plan for Project Managers and TPMs transitioning to Forward Deployed Engineer. Emphasis on hands-on coding, deployment, and technical skills.
6 Phases Over 13 Weeks
FDE Foundation
Build the core understanding of the FDE role, customer-facing mindset, and business context.
W1The FDE Role & Mindset
4 tasks · 8 hours · Written reflection on your current role vs FDE role
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The FDE Role & Mindset
4 tasks · 8 hours · Written reflection on your current role vs FDE role
Understand what FDEs do, how the role differs from PM/TPM, and the customer-first mindset.
W2Coding Fundamentals Refresher
4 tasks · 8 hours · Working development environment with a small coding exercise completed
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Coding Fundamentals Refresher
4 tasks · 8 hours · Working development environment with a small coding exercise completed
Refresh core coding skills and set up a productive development environment.
Customer Discovery
Develop client-facing skills: user interviews, problem framing, workflow mapping, and stakeholder alignment.
W3User Interviews & Discovery
5 tasks · 8 hours · Conducted 2 practice discovery interviews with technical focus
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User Interviews & Discovery
5 tasks · 8 hours · Conducted 2 practice discovery interviews with technical focus
Learn structured user interview techniques adapted from PM discovery skills.
W4Problem Framing & Technical Scoping
4 tasks · 8 hours · Problem statement and technical scope document for a sample project
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Problem Framing & Technical Scoping
4 tasks · 8 hours · Problem statement and technical scope document for a sample project
Frame ambiguous customer problems into technically scoped requirements with clear deliverables.
AI Solution Building
Design and build AI-powered solutions: system architecture, LLM integration, prototyping, and data pipelines.
W5System Architecture for AI Solutions
4 tasks · 8 hours · Architecture diagram for an AI-powered customer solution
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System Architecture for AI Solutions
4 tasks · 8 hours · Architecture diagram for an AI-powered customer solution
Design scalable system architectures for enterprise AI applications.
W6Building with LLM APIs
4 tasks · 8 hours · Working LLM-powered prototype with error handling
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Building with LLM APIs
4 tasks · 8 hours · Working LLM-powered prototype with error handling
Build rapid prototypes using LLM APIs with proper error handling.
W7Full-Stack AI Prototype
3 tasks · 8 hours · Full-stack AI application with frontend and backend
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Full-Stack AI Prototype
3 tasks · 8 hours · Full-stack AI application with frontend and backend
Assemble a full-stack AI prototype with frontend, backend, and data layer.
Production Delivery
Deploy and operate solutions in production: CI/CD, observability, release planning, and incident handling.
W8Deployment & CI/CD
4 tasks · 8 hours · Deployed application with CI/CD pipeline
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Deployment & CI/CD
4 tasks · 8 hours · Deployed application with CI/CD pipeline
Deploy your prototype to production-grade infrastructure with automated pipelines.
W9Production Operations
4 tasks · 8 hours · Monitoring dashboard and incident runbook
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Production Operations
4 tasks · 8 hours · Monitoring dashboard and incident runbook
Add monitoring, logging, and incident response to your deployed application.
Communication & Portfolio
Craft compelling demos, executive presentations, and build an FDE-relevant portfolio.
W10Technical Demos & Communication
4 tasks · 8 hours · Recorded 5-minute demo of your project
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Technical Demos & Communication
4 tasks · 8 hours · Recorded 5-minute demo of your project
Deliver compelling demos that bridge technical and business audiences.
W11Executive Presentation & Portfolio
4 tasks · 8 hours · Executive presentation and portfolio page
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Executive Presentation & Portfolio
4 tasks · 8 hours · Executive presentation and portfolio page
Build executive presentations and an FDE-relevant portfolio.
Interview Readiness
Prepare for FDE interviews: behavioral, system design, customer scenarios, and portfolio presentation.
W12Behavioral & System Design Prep
4 tasks · 8 hours · Completed interview prep with technical depth
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Behavioral & System Design Prep
4 tasks · 8 hours · Completed interview prep with technical depth
Prepare for FDE interviews focusing on technical delivery and customer scenarios.
W13Final Review & Launch
4 tasks · 8 hours · Polished portfolio and FDE-ready resume
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Final Review & Launch
4 tasks · 8 hours · Polished portfolio and FDE-ready resume
Polish portfolio, update resume, and prepare for FDE job applications.
What You'll Deliver in 90 Days
Start Your Project Manager / TPM → FDE Journey
Take the free assessment to personalize your roadmap, or explore the full skill map.