Forward Deployed AI Engineer

Location: San Francisco, CA On-Site | Full-time Compensation: $150K - $250K Our client, an elite Y Combinator-backed startup based in San Francisco, is building the software factory for the enterprise. Traditional SaaS platforms force companies into rigid workflows requiring months of forward-deployed engineering, while custom agency builds cost millions and rarely scale beyond proofs of concept. By leveraging autonomous coding agents, our client automates the forward-deployed engineering layer—capturing desktop workflows, mapping business logic, and deploying custom, AI-native software stacks tailored to each client. As a FDE / AI Engineer, you will build the core architecture of this software factory. You will own the full end-to-end stack—from high-throughput telemetry capture and privacy pipelines to knowledge graphs and autonomous software generation agents. This role requires exceptional technical capability, a product-first mindset, and extreme dedication to building a category-defining company. Key Responsibilities: Capture Layer Development: Design and scale high-throughput, high-concurrency systems to collect desktop and system events across client operationsPrivacy & Compliance Infrastructure: Architect automated redaction and anonymization mechanisms embedded directly into the core data ingestion pipelineData Structuring & Knowledge Graphs: Build ingestion and retrieval mechanisms across unstructured documents to model complex enterprise workflows into structured knowledge graphsAutonomous Coding Agents: Engineer AI agents capable of generating, testing, and deploying custom production software directly from workflow modelsProduction Deployment: Integrate generated applications into client environments and maintain high reliability in productionClient Execution (First 30 Days): Personally execute the software factory process end-to-end for an active client—mapping workflows from desktop telemetry, shipping automated solutions via coding agents, and abstracting those manual steps into autonomous agent workflows for future deployments Requirements Technical Stack Expertise: Deep proficiency with TypeScript, Rust, Tauri, PostgreSQL, Next.js, and AzureEnd-to-End Ownership: Proven ability to drive projects from initial client discovery through to robust production deploymentHigh-Intensity Drive: Willingness to work in a high-velocity, high-commitment environment ("996" schedule) with intense focus and disciplineProduct Mindset: Strong instinct for user experience and enterprise workflow optimizationCulture & Communication: Direct, transparent communication style and a collaborative spirit suited for an early-stage founding team environmentLocation: Must be based in or willing to relocate to San Francisco, CA for full-time, in-person collaborationWork Authorization: Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident (visa sponsorship is not available for this role) Benefits Founding Equity: Significant equity stake (0.50% - 1.50%) offering meaningful ownership in an early-stage companyCompetitive Salary: Base compensation ranging from $150,000 to $250,000AI Resources: Unlimited token usage on state-of-the-art coding agents and development modelsStrategic Impact: Direct influence over product roadmap, architectural design, and company culture from day oneImmersive Environment: Full immersion in San Francisco alongside a highly dedicated team of builders Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search. Commitment to Equality and Accessibility: At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination, accessible job adverts, and providing information in accessible formats. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the hiring process or you would like to see the job-advert in an accessible format please let us know at the earliest opportunity by emailing human-resources@mlabs.city. MLabs Ltd collects and processes the personal information you provide such as your contact details, work history, resume, and other relevant data for recruitment purposes only. This information is managed securely in accordance with MLabs Ltd's Privacy Policy and Information Security Policy, and in compliance with applicable data protection laws. Your data may be shared only with clients and trusted partners where necessary for recruitment purposes. You may request the deletion of your data or withdraw your consent at any time by contacting legal@mlabs.city.