AI Engineer
Who we are
Makai Labs builds software that automates entire companies. We work across a diversified portfolio, which means our systems touch a wide range of domains, processes, and operational constraints. Our engineering team is small, senior, and high-output. We move fast, hold high standards, and trust each other to take ownership without being managed.
What we're looking for
Makai Labs is hiring a AI Engineer to help build AI systems for enterprise automation. This is a hands-on builder role where you’ll work closely with our engineering and design teams to prototype, ship, and improve AI-powered products and internal tools. You’ll have the opportunity to own smaller projects end to end while contributing to larger client and platform initiatives.
Responsibilities will include
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Build and improve AI-powered applications and internal tools
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Rapidly prototype, experiment, and iterate across client and internal projects
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Implement workflows that use LLMs, retrieval systems, agents, and structured outputs
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Contribute to shared platform work and reusable tooling
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Turn prototypes into reliable, client-ready systems
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Conduct research, benchmarking, testing, and evaluation of new approaches
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Own smaller projects or sub-projects with guidance from the team
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Take ownership of deliverables and help deliver work that meets client needs
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Write and maintain clear internal documentation
Ideal Experience
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Senior in college, recent graduate, or early-career engineer
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Background in computer science (bonus if you also have business exposure)
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Experience building AI applications through internships, coursework, research, or personal projects
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Experience running AI experiments and iterating quickly
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Strong Python skills
What we value
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Initiative and willingness to learn quickly on the job
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Bias toward action and comfort with fast iteration
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Interest in staying current with AI advancements and applying them in practical systems
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Wants to solve hard problems
Nice To Haves
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Experience with APIs, backend services, or workflow automation
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Familiarity with FastAPI, Flask, or similar backend frameworks
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Familiarity with React and TypeScript
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Familiarity with Docker and local development environments
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Familiarity with testing in Python or TypeScript
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Experience working with retrieval systems, embeddings, or search
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Experience working with OCR, document processing, or PDF workflows
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Experience with fine-tuning, benchmarking, or serving LLMs
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Experience in fast-paced, high-accountability team settings
Core values for Makai employees
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Have a strong work ethic
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Be self-sufficient and self-driven with an ownership mentality, no matter your role
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Be a flexible thinker
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Be congenial and a team player
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Always be of service to each other and our clients, partners, and neighbors
Benefits
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Fully remote role, Eastern time zone
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Opportunities to work in-person with local colleagues
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Generous PTO
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Full health insurance premium reimbursement
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401(k) matching
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Career growth & development opportunities
Compensation Range: $115K - $130K