Job Details

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Opportunity An early-stage, mission-driven AI research startup is looking for an AI researcher/engineer to join as a foundational team member. This is a rare opportunity to work end-to-end on cutting-edge large-scale models and help drive progress toward superintelligence.

An opportunity to be razor-focused on the next frontier of artificial intelligence.

The role is highly autonomous with no rigid project assignments — ideal for someone who wants to obsessively push the boundaries of AGI and reasoning in a small, elite team.

Responsibilities

• Train and scale large language models (400B+ parameters)
• Design and implement reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms for post-training optimization
• Build and optimize distributed training and inference infrastructure
• Own the full research cycle: data pipelines, experimentation, evaluation, iteration
• Collaborate tightly with founders, but work independently day-to-day
• Pursue novel ideas in alignment with a long-term vision of superintelligence

Requirements

• Experience at a frontier AI lab (e.g., DeepMind, OpenAI, Meta FAIR, Anthropic)
• Strong background in post-training techniques, especially reinforcement learning
• Hands-on experience with large language models
• PhD or Master's in ML, AI, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, high-trust environment

Nice to Have

• Prior founder or early startup experience
• Strong academic research track record
• Interest in open-source AI and long-term alignment

Why You Should Apply

• Extremely high autonomy and ownership from day one
• No bureaucracy or project constraints - you choose what to build and explore
• Backed by investors who are betting on scientific breakthrough, not incremental returns
• Strong belief in open-source models and democratized AI research
• Already showing performance ahead of larger players in the space

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents
• Unlimited PTO and flexible remote/on-site policies
• Company-sponsored retirement plan
• Relocation assistance, paid parental leave, and annual L&D stipend

Details

Location: San Francisco, CA (On-site preferred, open to remote with occasional travel)

Compensation: $250K-$275K base + equity

Sponsorship: Visa and green card sponsorship available