- Clera
- San Francisco, CA
- Full-Time
- 25 days ago
Founding Engineer (Applied AI).
Before you go
Before you leave us, sign up for our email alerts
We don't do job spam, just the best digital jobs delivered straight to your inbox.
Founding Engineer (Applied AI): our view in 3 lines...
- The Role:This role is for an applied AI engineer building computer vision and AI systems for a construction pre-construction workflow.
- The Person:The person will drive the intelligence layer, build and improve computer vision and AI pipelines, ship prototypes, and turn research into production-ready products.
- Requirements:The ideal candidate has strong applied ML experience, including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision, and is proficient in Python.
About the role
About the Role
This is a founding engineering role at an early-stage AI startup transforming the construction pre-construction workflow through automated blueprint understanding and cost estimation. You'll own the intelligence layer — advancing computer vision and AI systems from research to reliable, shipped products that real users depend on. It's a high-impact position on a small, fast-moving team where your work directly shapes the core product.
What You'll Do
-
Drive the intelligence layer of the product, focusing on CV/ML systems rather than application-layer work.
-
Apply cutting-edge computer vision models, LLMs, and AI systems to real construction workflows.
-
Ship initial prototypes quickly, then iterate and improve based on direct user feedback.
-
Coordinate and compose multiple ML models into coherent, production-ready pipelines.
-
Roll up your sleeves for hands-on, ground-level work — this team embraces "schlep" as part of building early-stage products.
What We're Looking For
-
Proven 0-to-1 builder with AI systems shipped to production.
-
Strong applied ML experience, including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision (object detection a plus).
-
Proficient in Python and comfortable working across the ML stack.
-
Growth mindset — values trajectory and continuous learning over prior pedigree.
-
Communicates with empathy and honesty; proactively flags what's working and what isn't.
-
Comfortable with ambiguity and repetitive foundational work common at early-stage startups.
-
US citizenship required (visa sponsorship is not available).
-
Bonus: background in construction or estimating.
-
Bonus: prior experience founding or contributing early to a product that attracted real users or paying customers.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: $120,000 – $180,000 USD annually. Equity participation expected at the founding engineer level. No visa sponsorship available.
Location
On-site, full-time in San Francisco, California, USA. Candidates must be based in SF or willing to relocate.
