AI/ML Engineer

About the Role Join a Series A AI-powered engineering automation startup that is reimagining computer-aided engineering (CAE) for the AI era. As an AI/ML Engineer, you will shape the future of simulation and design automation by building AI that thinks like an engineer. You'll design, train, and deploy models that accelerate simulation, improve accuracy, and unlock new ways of exploring the design space — from adaptive solvers and reduced-order modeling to generative design and real-time validation. You'll work alongside experts in engineering and applied AI to integrate machine learning directly into high-fidelity simulation pipelines, helping customers iterate faster, diagnose failures earlier, and bring better products to market. This is an early, foundational opportunity with real impact at a fast-moving startup. Visa sponsorship is available for this role. What You'll Do Research, design, and develop AI/ML algorithms to tackle complex challenges in computer-aided engineering, simulation, and design automation. Build scalable AI solutions and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate models seamlessly into existing CAE workflows and infrastructure. Lead performance improvements — from optimizing model accuracy to analyzing outputs and addressing system-level bottlenecks. Guide AI/ML projects end-to-end, from research and prototyping through to scalable production deployment. Partner with engineering domain experts to develop physics-informed and geometry-aware ML approaches. What We're Looking For Required: 4+ years of experience developing and deploying AI/ML models with a proven track record of delivering impact in applied engineering or scientific domains. 2+ years of technical leadership guiding AI/ML projects from research to production. Proficiency in Python and modern AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow). Experience with AI/ML algorithms for sequential, spatial, or physics-informed data (e.g., time series, mesh, or simulation outputs). Familiarity with MLOps practices and building AI/ML systems end-to-end, from prototyping to scalable deployment. Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail with demonstrated project success. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts effectively. Nice to Have: Experience with computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided design (CAD), and/or product lifecycle management (PLM) tools (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks, Abaqus, COMSOL, CREO, Autodesk Inventor). Experience in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment. Familiarity with proficiency in C++ or Java in addition to Python. Understanding of engineering principles in simulation, modeling, and optimization. Compensation & Benefits Salary: $150,000 – $250,000 USD per year, depending on experience. Early-stage equity opportunity. Work alongside a team with backgrounds from leading national labs, research institutions, and top-tier technology companies. Location This role is based on-site in San Francisco, California, USA. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and prefers candidates who can work from the office.