Job description
We are hiring a Founding AI/ML Engineer on behalf of a confidential client: an early-stage, well-funded, YC-backed technology company.
This is a founding engineering hire. You will help build a next-generation AI platform, shaping the core infrastructure and working on systems that process large-scale video, audio, and text datasets. You will own the full development lifecycle, from initial architecture and data flow design through to production deployment, working alongside a small, high-impact team building reliable AI solutions for sensitive, high-stakes environments.
You will have significant influence over AI architecture, engineering culture, and product direction from the ground up.
What you will do
- Design and build the core AI infrastructure from the ground up
- Build backend systems and data pipelines handling large-scale video, audio, and text data
- Deploy production-grade AI systems and own them end to end
- Design secure, distributed systems suitable for high-stakes environments
- Shape technical direction and engineering practice as a founding team member
What we are looking for
Essential:
- 3+ years of professional software engineering and/or ML experience
- Strong hands-on experience with LLMs, VLMs, or retrieval systems
- Proven experience building backend systems and data pipelines
- Experience deploying production-grade systems
- Strong understanding of distributed systems and scalable infrastructure
Strongly preferred:
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership and ship end to end
- Capacity to design and implement secure, distributed systems
Nice to have:
- Experience with clearance-level projects or high-security environments
- Previous experience in a founding or early-stage startup role
Benefits
- $125,000 – $200,000 per year, depending on experience
- Meaningful founding-level equity
- 3% 401(k) contribution
- Unlimited PTO
- Full health and dental coverage
- Gym reimbursement
- Clearance sponsorship for eligible candidates
Location and eligibility
Our client is hiring across multiple US locations. This is an on-site role, not remote or hybrid. Your base location is agreed with the company directly during the process, based on where you are located. Existing US work authorization is required.
How to apply
Apply with your CV. Applications are reviewed against the role requirements, and you will hear back with a clear result either way.
Pay: $125,685.55 - $200,739.59 per year
Work Location: In person