Lead AI Architect

Lead AI Engineer Opportunity

Very Big Things is seeking an exceptional Lead AI Engineer to architect and build an internal workflow automation platform that will become a core customer offering. You'll work directly with the CEO and leadership team, operating more like a technical founder than a traditional employee.

This is a rare opportunity for someone who thrives on autonomy, moves fast, and isn't afraid to break things in pursuit of progress — you'll build the platform foundation, then deploy into enterprise customer environments to rapidly implement solutions enhanced with AI.

This role demands strong ownership. You'll build the platform foundation, then deploy into customer organizations to understand their workflows and rapidly implement enterprise-grade solutions enhanced with AI. If you're someone who sees problems and solves them without waiting to be told, this role is for you.

Foundation Phase:

• Design and build the core architecture for an enterprise workflow automation platform
• Make critical technical decisions about stack, architecture patterns, and implementation independently
• Create robust APIs, integrations, and workflow engines adaptable to diverse enterprise needs

Deployment Phase (Primary Focus):

• Deploy virtually or on-site into customer organizations across the US
• Conduct discovery sessions to understand workflows and requirements
• Rapidly prototype and build custom solutions tailored to each enterprise
• Iteratively integrate AI capabilities to enhance automation and drive value
• Act as the technical face of the company during customer engagements

Throughout:

• Work autonomously with minimal oversight from CEO and leadership
• Make architectural decisions and push back constructively when needed
• Move fast, ship quickly, and iterate — success comes through iteration, not upfront planning

We are looking for a candidate with the following attributes:

• Builder mentality — you see problems and solve them without waiting to be told
• Thrives on autonomy with minimal oversight
• As strong with people as you are with code — clear communicator who navigates ambiguity
• Proven leadership experience guiding senior engineers and establishing patterns
• Curious, proactive learner who takes ownership
• Comfortable being the technical face of the company in client engagements

Required experience:

• 7+ years building production software across front-end and back-end, with a history of shipping complex systems
• 2+ years building with Generative AI in real products
• Expert with TypeScript/JavaScript and modern stacks (e.g., Next.js/React, Node/Nest/Express)
• Comfortable across data layers (Postgres/SQL, caches, vector stores)
• LLM-assisted development expertise — materially increased velocity and quality using tools like Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, or Copilot, with the ability to design prompts, break down problems, enforce tests, and review AI output safely
• Solid grasp of security and compliance (authN/Z, RBAC/ABAC, audit, data residency, secrets, PII handling)
• Familiarity with cloud + DevOps (Vercel/AWS/GCP/Azure), CI/CD, IaC (Terraform/Pulumi), and monitoring/observability
• Strong client-facing communication and leadership skills

Other skills we value:

• Domain experience in retail, hospitality, logistics, or healthcare/life sciences
• Experience setting expectations and leading teams through technical challenges

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation with performance upside
• Comprehensive benefits
• Remote work
• PTO
• Final package depends on experience and location

How To Apply:

Please share a resume and LinkedIn profile and answer the additional questions. Yes, we read through all the answers!

*Please note that we are not interested in working with recruiters. All job offers are contingent on passing a detailed background check.