Applied AI Data Scientist at AE Studio

<p>AE Studio builds products, platforms, and internal ventures that increase agency for all conscious beings. We combine world-class software engineering, AI expertise, and product design to ship ambitious projects that matter.</p> <h3><strong>ABOUT THE ROLE</strong></h3> <p>As a Data Scientist at AE Studio, you’ll work on a mix of client projects and internal research initiatives. You’ll solve real-world problems, help build meaningful products, and contribute to groundbreaking AI alignment research. Your work will involve building data-driven solutions, leveraging machine learning models, and using your creativity to deliver results that matter.</p> <p>In addition to client projects, you’ll have the opportunity to propose and pursue <strong>high-impact research projects</strong>, especially those aligned with our mission of increasing agency. Promising projects could even become prioritized skunkworks initiatives.</p> <p>We want problem-solvers who are adaptable, collaborative, and excited to push boundaries. If this sounds like you, let’s talk.</p> <h3><strong>ABOUT YOU</strong></h3> <p>You thrive on solving challenging problems and bring a mix of technical expertise, creativity, and humor to your work. You enjoy working independently but also love collaborating with a team that shares your passion for making a difference.</p> <h4><strong>Required Skills and Experience</strong></h4> <ul> <li><strong>Fluency in Python</strong>..</li> <li><strong>Experience with LLM lifecycle:</strong> prompt design/engineering, prompting techniques (RAG, few-shot, CoT, etc.), vector databases, multimodality, fine-tuning, and evaluation.</li> <li><strong>Proven data science experience</strong>: You’ve been a key contributor to impactful projects and know how to deliver results with real-life outcomes.</li> <li><strong>Statistical &amp; causal ML fundamentals:</strong> expertise in experimental design, uncertainty quantification, and rigorous model evaluation across tabular, time-series, and foundation-model fine-tuning tasks.</li> <li><strong>Deep learning experience</strong>: Expertise in building/training NLP or computer vision models with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.</li> <li><strong>Agile &amp; AI-powered development: </strong>You run lean Kanban/Scrum cycles and leverage AI-powered tools like Cursor to prototype quickly and ship high-impact solutions.</li> <li><strong>Growth mindset</strong>: You embrace challenges, value progress over perfection, and constantly seek to improve.</li> <li><strong>Self-management</strong>: You can work independently, take ownership of projects, and deliver without constant oversight.</li> <li><strong>Product and UX understanding</strong>: You care about delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience.</li> <li><strong>Effective communication in English</strong>: Clear, concise, and maybe even witty communication is essential.</li> </ul> <h4><strong>Bonus Points for</strong></h4> <ul> <li><strong>Self-managed projects</strong>: Ideally something that you helped develop from zero and shipped to real users.</li> <li><strong>Startup experience</strong>: You thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy taking on new challenges.</li> <li><strong>Client relationship management</strong>: Experience managing clients and delivering excellent results.</li> <li><strong>Passion for AI alignment</strong>: You care deeply about humanity’s future and want to help navigate the challenges of advancing AI.</li> </ul> <h3><strong>WHAT WE OFFER</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Remote-first culture: Work from anywhere, or join us in one of our offices.</li> <li>Flexible schedules: We care about outcomes, not micromanagement.</li> <li>Competitive pay: Regular performance-based raises and a diversified employee equity program.</li> <li>Opportunities for growth: Work on cutting-edge R&amp;D and propose projects that could become our next skunkworks focus.</li> <li>Supportive environment: A team that collaborates, mentors, and shares knowledge.</li> <li>Perks: Health insurance, free lunches (at the office), weekly knowledge-sharing talks, and an annual team retreat.</li> </ul> <p>The salary range is $180k to $ 240k per year for people based in California.&nbsp;<br><br>Not in the range? That's fine, you can still apply, and our team may fit you in a more senior position that we're not actively hiring right now, but we are growing fast and may have other openings soon.</p> <p><strong>EQUITY</strong></p> <p>Working at AE means receiving equity in our client projects and in Skunkworks ventures. The equity is priced at $0 when granted for tax reasons, but AE invests millions into these projects. Equity comes from reduced margins on client work and internal funding. You get a real stake in the things you help build.</p> <p>The longer you stay, the more value you create and the more equity you receive. If you leave on good terms, you can retain 20% of your equity by staying engaged. If you spin out a Skunkworks venture, you retain 100%.</p>