Principal AI/ML Engineer - VC Backed Startups
Description For Principal AI/ML Engineer - VC Backed Startups
SignalFire, a venture capital firm managing 200+ innovative portfolio companies, is seeking Principal AI/ML Engineers to join their Talent Network. This unique opportunity connects exceptional AI leaders with high-growth startups shaping the future of technology across AI, cybersecurity, healthtech, fintech, and enterprise SaaS.
The role demands expertise in developing and deploying cutting-edge machine learning models, with a focus on architecting scalable AI systems and leading technical teams. Successful candidates will push the boundaries of AI research while applying solutions to real-world business challenges. The position requires 8+ years of experience in AI/ML, with deep expertise in Python and modern ML frameworks.
Key responsibilities include architecting ML/DL models, researching state-of-the-art AI methodologies, leading AI strategy, and developing scalable training pipelines. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring robust MLOps practices, and contributing to research publications and patents.
Technical requirements encompass expertise in Python, ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX), and strong knowledge of cloud environments. The ideal candidate will have experience with LLMs, transformer architectures, and model optimization techniques. The position offers competitive compensation ($170K-$270K) with equity, based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a hybrid work arrangement.
This is not a direct job application but rather an opportunity to join SignalFire's Talent Network, connecting you with exclusive early-stage opportunities across their portfolio companies. Successful candidates will be at the forefront of AI innovation, working with cutting-edge technologies while leading and mentoring technical teams in a fast-paced startup environment.
Responsibilities For Principal AI/ML Engineer - VC Backed Startups
- Architect, develop, and optimize machine learning and deep learning models for production systems
- Research and apply state-of-the-art AI methodologies
- Lead AI strategy, identifying opportunities for innovation and model optimization
- Develop scalable training and inference pipelines for AI-powered applications
- Work closely with engineering, data, and product teams to integrate AI/ML into business solutions
- Optimize ML models for efficiency, accuracy, and scalability in real-world deployments
- Ensure robust MLOps practices, including model monitoring, retraining, and deployment automation
- Collaborate on AI/ML research publications, patents, and open-source contributions
Requirements For Principal AI/ML Engineer - VC Backed Startups
- 8+ years of experience in AI/ML, deep learning, or applied AI
- Expertise in Python and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX, Hugging Face Transformers)
- Strong background in computer vision, NLP, generative AI, or reinforcement learning
- Experience developing scalable AI pipelines, data processing workflows, and distributed training systems
- Familiarity with big data tools and MLOps platforms
- Deep understanding of LLMs, transformer architectures, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines
- Experience with model quantization, fine-tuning, and optimization for performance
- Strong knowledge of cloud environments and containerization tools
- A track record of technical leadership, mentoring, and driving AI innovation
Benefits For Principal AI/ML Engineer - VC Backed Startups
- Equity
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