Founding Engineer, Applied AI
Summary
Founding engineer at an early-stage AI startup building AI-agent automation software for manufacturing and hardware engineering. You'll design agent infrastructure (context management, indexing, post-training), build ML models over engineering design data, and ship production workflows using Python, PyTorch, Hugging Face, and Weights & Biases, on-site in San Francisco.
About the Role
Join an early-stage AI/ML team building automation software for complex manufacturing and hardware engineering. You will help shape the core product, technical architecture, and engineering culture while delivering AI systems for real-world engineering workflows.
What You'll Do
Design and build core workflows and infrastructure for AI agents used in hardware engineering, including context management, indexing, and post-training systems.
Develop AI agents and machine learning models that interpret, reason over, and manipulate complex engineering design data.
Work with customers and teammates to deliver reliable, intuitive AI workflows for production use.
Prototype ideas with users and ship improvements from initial concept through deployment.
Help shape engineering practices, architecture, and the product roadmap as an early technical hire.
What We're Looking For
Two to six years of experience in applied machine learning, backend engineering, or AI infrastructure, or exceptional new graduates with strong fundamentals.
Strong familiarity with LLM architectures and current agent research.
Experience building production machine learning or AI systems, including practical search and information retrieval work.
Strong Python skills and hands-on experience with PyTorch, Hugging Face, and Weights & Biases.
A bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, machine learning, or an equivalent field.
Experience with geometric data, CAD systems, or impactful AI research is a plus.
A builder mindset, with the ability to move quickly from ideas to production and a focus on customer experience.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: $180,000 to $250,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California, United States.
Skills
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