Founding AI Engineer at seed-stage product-led AI startup

Founding AI Engineer at seed-stage product-led AI startup

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and build cutting-edge AI systems from scratch in a fast-paced startup.
  • Company: Exciting seed-stage AI startup backed by top-tier VCs.
  • Benefits: Unique opportunity to shape the future of AI with a small, agile team.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with the chance to grow alongside the company.
  • Why this job: Join as a founding engineer and make a direct impact on product strategy.
  • Qualifications: Experience in shipping production AI systems and strong technical autonomy.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.

As the Founding AI Engineer, you will own the end‑to‑end development of production AI systems. Moving beyond prototypes, you will build and scale customer‑facing features within a lean, high‑velocity team. This role offers total ownership of ambiguous product surfaces, requiring a blend of technical depth and product‑centric engineering to drive impact.

Location: London, UK

Why this role is remarkable:

  • Rare opportunity to join as a founding engineer and shape the technical direction of a seed‑stage venture from the ground up.
  • Backed by top‑tier VCs, providing a stable foundation with the agility of a tiny, high‑performance team.
  • Direct impact on product strategy, working alongside founders to solve complex problems without the overhead of a large platform team.

What You Will Do:

  • Design, build, and deploy production‑grade AI systems and LLM‑powered features from scratch.
  • Collaborate directly with founders to define product roadmaps and translate customer needs into technical solutions.
  • Manage the entire engineering lifecycle, from rapid prototyping to maintaining scalable, customer‑facing infrastructure.

The ideal candidate:

  • Proven track record of shipping production AI systems in a startup environment or small, high‑growth team.
  • High degree of technical autonomy with the ability to own large, ambiguous product surfaces independently.
  • Pragmatic approach to engineering, focusing on speed‑to‑market and building robust systems without needing a large supporting cast.

Founding AI Engineer at seed-stage product-led AI startup employer: Jack & Jill

Join a dynamic seed-stage product-led AI startup in London, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the technical direction of innovative AI systems as a Founding AI Engineer. With a culture that fosters autonomy and collaboration, you'll work closely with founders and a high-performance team, driving impactful solutions while enjoying the benefits of a stable backing from top-tier VCs. This role not only offers total ownership of your projects but also provides significant opportunities for personal and professional growth in a fast-paced environment.

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Contact Detail:

Jack & Jill Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Founding AI Engineer at seed-stage product-led AI startup

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI space, especially those who are already working at startups. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect and engage with them. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Founding AI Engineer role!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially any production AI systems you've built. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical depth and product-centric approach, so make it shine!

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to startups you admire, even if they’re not hiring. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their mission. It’s all about making that first connection!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. Let’s get you on board to shape the future of AI together!

We think you need these skills to ace Founding AI Engineer at seed-stage product-led AI startup

AI System Development
Production-Grade AI Systems
LLM-Powered Features
Technical Autonomy
Product Roadmap Definition
Customer Needs Translation
Engineering Lifecycle Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for AI:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI shine through! We want to see how your experiences and projects align with our mission. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your passion and expertise in building AI systems.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Founding AI Engineer role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively. A well-structured application makes it easier for us to see your potential!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team right from the start!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jack & Jill

Know Your AI Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI systems and LLMs. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that involved building production-grade systems. This is your chance to showcase your technical depth!

Understand the Startup Culture

Familiarise yourself with the dynamics of a seed-stage startup. Highlight your experience in high-velocity teams and how you've thrived in ambiguous environments. Show them you can adapt quickly and make impactful decisions without a large support team.

Collaborate Like a Pro

Since you'll be working closely with founders, demonstrate your collaborative skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully translated customer needs into technical solutions in the past. This will show you're not just a techie but also a team player.

Be Ready for Problem-Solving

Expect to tackle some complex problems during the interview. Think of scenarios where you've had to innovate or pivot quickly. This role requires a pragmatic approach, so be prepared to discuss how you prioritise speed-to-market while maintaining quality.