AI Engineering Lead

The role

Raydar is recruiting for this role on behalf of our client. Lead the design, build and ownership of a company's AI systems, from architecture through production. Work directly with the founding leadership, set technical direction for AI work, plan for growth as usage increases, and mentor new engineers. The role is hands-on and based on-site.

What you'll do

• Design, build and operate AI systems end to end, from evaluation through production.
• Own the architecture of AI features across the product.
• Lead and guide AI development efforts and set technical direction.
• Address scaling challenges as the system supports more and more users.
• Ship meaningful improvements to AI features early in the role.
• Interview, hire and mentor engineers who join the team.

What we're looking for

• Track record taking multi-step LLM-powered software from concept through testing, monitoring and live operation.
• Working depth across several LLM application frameworks and model types.
• Experience significantly scaling AI products at a fast-moving company.
• Practical skill tailoring model behavior and prompt design to sort items or make reasoned assessments.
• Production backend development experience in Python.
• Experience at a company focused on AI or agents.
• Engineering degree from a highly ranked university.

Bonus points

• Earlier experience launching a new venture as one of its leaders.

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary: USD 240,000 to 340,000
• Equity
• Retirement plan with employer matching contribution
• Health, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible time off

Location and work model

• New York, NY, United States
• On-site, five days a week in office
• Full-time