Founding AI Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level AI Engineering role at Clera. San Francisco · full-time · $120,000–$180,000 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Apply computer vision, language models and multimodal AI to extract useful information from construction documents
- Set priorities for the intelligence layer, covering models, data flows and inference rather than the user interface
- Build quick model prototypes, then refine them using feedback from users and data from real projects
- Deploy production AI that can handle inconsistent, varied inputs, and take on labeling, ETL or deployment work as needed
- Work with product teammates and end users to identify important problems and find practical solutions
What you bring
- Hands-on experience training and deploying computer vision or machine learning models in production
- Experience launching AI systems or building core product components from an early stage
- You can work with current computer vision, language-model and multimodal approaches and tools
- You have U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship is unavailable
Who this fits
This suits an early technical hire who wants to shape AI architecture and product direction, and is comfortable handling practical engineering tasks. The role is full-time and in-office in San Francisco; you must be based there or willing to relocate. Candidates at all experience levels, including new graduates with strong applied machine learning work, are considered.
From the employer
About the Role
This is a founding AI engineering role at a seed-stage construction technology company building an intelligence layer that transforms messy blueprints, permits, and construction documents into actionable insights — making building more efficient and equitable. Backed by top-tier investors, the company is a small, high-conviction team applying state-of-the-art computer vision and multimodal AI to real construction workflows in areas like cost estimation and permitting, with direct impact on housing, hospitals, and schools.
You'll be one of the earliest technical hires, shaping the AI architecture and product direction from the ground up. This role is full-time, in-office in San Francisco — relocation-ready candidates are welcome.
What You'll Do
Apply state-of-the-art computer vision, LLM, and multimodal AI techniques to real-world construction documents.
Own and prioritize the intelligence layer — modeling, data pipelines, and inference — over application UI.
Rapidly prototype models and iterate based on user feedback and real-world data.
Build and deploy production AI systems that operate on noisy, heterogeneous inputs.
Collaborate closely with product and end users to surface and solve high-impact problems.
Handle practical engineering work as needed — including data labeling, ETL, and deployment tasks — as part of a small, scrappy team.
Communicate progress and tradeoffs with empathy and transparency across the team.
What We're Looking For
Applied computer vision and ML experience — hands-on model training and deployment in production environments.
0-to-1 builder mindset — experience launching AI systems or building core parts of a new product from scratch.
Familiarity with state-of-the-art CV, LLM, and multimodal model approaches and tooling.
Comfort iterating quickly and improving prototypes based on real user feedback.
Strong communication skills and a growth mindset; an honest, empathetic collaborator.
Willingness to roll up your sleeves for practical engineering work as part of a small, founding team.
Impact-driven orientation; ideally, prior experience building something people used or paid for.
US work authorization required — visa sponsorship is not available.
All experience levels considered, including new graduates with strong applied ML work.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 per year, depending on experience.
Early-stage equity as a founding team member.
Direct impact on the product roadmap and technical direction of the company.
Location
San Francisco, CA — full-time, in-office. Candidates based in San Francisco or willing to relocate are encouraged to apply. Remote work is not available for this role.