Staff Engineer, Applied AI

Role Description

We're looking for a Staff Applied AI Engineer to join the Applied AI function at Collectors. This is an embedded, build-first role with portfolio-level ownership:

• Own a full business domain, deciding which problems in it are worth solving with AI.
• Prototype fast and prove value in business terms.
• Establish patterns, create reusable assets, and shape the roadmap for the team.

This is not a traditional software engineering role, and it's not an architecture-only role either. We're looking for a product-minded builder who leads through shipped work.

You will report to the Head of Applied AI. Remote or hybrid candidates will also be considered.

What You'll Do

• Own a business domain, accountable for the AI opportunity across an entire lane (e.g., Operations, Marketplace, Finance).
• Build the hardest use cases yourself, from prototype through production, adoption, and measured impact.
• Turn one-off wins into reusable patterns.
• Define success up front and prove it at portfolio level.
• Design for earned autonomy.
• Operate as a power user of frontier AI.
• Win trust at the leadership level.
• Multiply the builders around you.
• Build production grade applications around AI systems.

Qualifications

• A builder, first and foremost.
• Proven at portfolio scope.
• You've shipped multiple end-to-end agents.
• A power user of AI.
• Fluent at turning business pain into working software.
• Technically strong across the stack.
• Proficient in application engineering, not just AI.
• Outcome-obsessed.
• A force multiplier.
• A clear communicator.
• A continuous learner.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $165,848-$269,259 . Actual compensation varies based on location, job level, experience, and skill set. This role may be eligible for bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Additional Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits.
• 401(K) Matching Plan: We offer a competitive 401k matching plan to support employees' future financial goals.
• Vacation: All salaried employees are eligible for flexible time-off.
• Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays.
• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions.
• Flexible Hours: Many teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts.
• Fun Working Environment: Team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities.