Current Landscape

• Fully remote: ~20% of postings
• Hybrid (2-3 days on-site): ~50% the norm
• Fully on-site: ~30% (defense, healthcare, government)

When Remote Works

• Established client relationships after initial ramp
• Technical integration work (APIs, pipelines)
• Multiple small clients simultaneously
• AI/ML deployments

When It Does Not

• Initial discovery phase
• Stakeholder trust building
• Sensitive/classified environments
• Complex physical infrastructure

Tips for Remote FDEs

1. Over-communicate - daily async updates
2. Front-load on-site time - first 2-4 weeks
3. Document everything
4. Build relationships intentionally
5. Travel for milestones

Comp Differences

• 5-15% reduction at some companies
• No difference at remote-first companies

Are you a remote FDE? Share your setup below.