Founding Engineer (Applied AI)
at Clera · 1-10 employees
Seed · $3M · Apr 2026
- Work model
- Onsite
- Employment
- Full Time
- Location
- San Francisco
- Posted
- 5d ago
pythonllm
at Clera · 1-10 employees
Clera is a talent-matching platform that replaces traditional job applications by connecting candidates and hiring teams through curated introductions.
ABOUT THE ROLE Join a small, high-impact team at an early-stage startup building cutting-edge AI to transform the construction industry. This company uses a model-garden approach to automate blueprint understanding, material takeoffs, and cost estimation — making construction projects faster and more affordable. As a Founding Engineer (Applied AI), you'll own the intelligence layer, taking the newest computer vision and LLM models from research to production-grade prototypes that real users rely on. This is a full-time, in-office role based in San Francisco, CA. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Focus on the intelligence layer — not the application layer — designing and advancing AI/CV/ML systems end-to-end. - Apply the latest computer vision models, large language models, and AI systems to real construction workflows. - Ship working prototypes quickly, then iterate based on direct user feedback. - Coordinate and orchestrate multiple ML models as part of a broader model-garden architecture. - Roll up your sleeves for "schlep" work — the unglamorous but essential parts of building early-stage products. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required: - Hands-on applied experience with computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning. - Strong Python skills and comfort working close to the model layer. - Proven track record as a 0-to-1 builder — you've shipped AI systems to production. - Growth mindset: you value trajectory (slope) over where you started (y-intercept). - Communicates with empathy and honesty — candid about what's working and what isn't. - Based in San Francisco or willing to relocate; fully in-office. Nice to Have: - Experience building a product that people used or paid for (founder or early startup experience). - Background in construction, estimating, or construction technology. - Impact-driven mindset with comfort operating in ambiguity. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Salary: $120,000 – $180,000 USD annually, depending on experience. - Early-stage equity opportunity as a founding team member. Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. LOCATION San Francisco, CA, United States — full-time, in-office. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate.