AI & Machine Learning Founder Engineer – Fast-Growing Startup

Our client is a fast-growing startup building a next-generation platform powered by Python-based machine learning and open-source frameworks. As a founding engineer, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape our technology, product, and company culture from the ground up.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a visionary AI/Machine Learning Founder Engineer to be the technical cornerstone of our startup. In this high-impact, high-ownership role, you’ll architect, develop, and deploy machine learning systems and software engineering solutions. You’ll work directly with the founding team to create and scale our core technology stack, mentor early hires, and drive innovation in AI and ML.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and Build Core ML Systems: Design, develop, and deploy robust machine learning models and pipelines using Python and open-source frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Lead Software Engineering: Develop scalable backend systems, APIs, and integrations with third-party services and data sources.
• Open-Source Advocacy: Champion open-source best practices, contribute to relevant projects, and leverage community-driven tools and libraries.
• Production Deployment: Ensure smooth transition from prototype to production, including setting up model deployment pipelines, monitoring, and MLOps practices (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD).
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with product, data science, and hardware teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Technical Leadership: Set technical direction, mentor junior engineers, and foster a culture of innovation, quality, and continuous learning.
• Customer and Stakeholder Engagement: Translate complex ML concepts into business value, and work directly with early customers to refine product requirements.
• Documentation and Best Practices: Document processes, methodologies, and best practices for future team members.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience: 5+ years in machine learning and software engineering, with a proven track record of building and deploying ML systems in production.
• Technical Skills:
• Deep proficiency in Python and its ecosystem for ML and software development.
• Strong experience with open-source ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Expertise in backend development, APIs, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Familiarity with MLOps tools and practices (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, model monitoring).
• Knowledge of data engineering (ETL, data storage, Spark, SQL).
• Leadership: Ability to thrive in ambiguity, set technical vision, and mentor others in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Startup Mindset: Passion for innovation, willingness to wear multiple hats, and experience as a founder or early employee in a venture-backed startup is a plus.