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Lead AI Engineer- Product Leader

San Francisco, CA 94163

Posted: 11/11/2025 Category: Data Science Job Number: 23794

Job Description

Lead AI Engineer – Product Leader
Location: Remote (Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area)
Compensation: Commensurate with Experience
Contact: dwilberschied@smithhanley.com

About the Company
A fast-growing AI research technology company is redefining how organizations conduct qualitative research and user feedback at scale. Their platform uses advanced artificial intelligence to automate interviews, synthesize insights, and deliver actionable outcomes in a fraction of the time of traditional research. The team is made up of builders, researchers, and innovators who believe technology should accelerate understanding — not replace it.

About the Role
The company is seeking a Lead AI Engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strong product leadership. This role sits at the intersection of AI engineering, product development, and research automation — ideal for someone who loves translating complex ideas into scalable, human-centered tools.

As the Lead AI Engineer – Product Leader, you’ll drive the development of core AI systems that power intelligent interviewing, automated transcription, and adaptive insight generation. You’ll work closely with research, product, and design teams to shape the roadmap, experiment with emerging technologies, and deliver innovative, reliable, and explainable AI capabilities that evolve with clients’ needs.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of AI models that power automated qualitative research workflows
  • Own the technical roadmap for AI-driven features — from prototype to production
  • Collaborate with product management to translate user feedback and research needs into scalable technical solutions
  • Implement and maintain data pipelines, model monitoring, and continuous evaluation frameworks
  • Explore and integrate cutting-edge AI technologies (e.g., LLM fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, multi-agent systems) to enhance platform performance
  • Establish best practices in AI ethics, security, and model transparency
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to an experimentation-driven, high-trust team culture
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, or a related field (Ph.D. a plus)
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in AI Engineering, including model development, deployment, and optimization
  • Proficiency with modern AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, LangChain, Hugging Face, or similar)
  • Strong understanding of NLP, LLM architecture, and agent-based AI systems
  • Experience building production-grade ML pipelines and APIs in Python or related languages
  • Demonstrated success leading or influencing product development in cross-functional teams
  • Ability to balance technical rigor with product intuition — and communicate effectively with both engineers and business stakeholders
Compensation & Benefits
  • Compensation commensurate with experience
  • 100% remote flexibility (based out of the San Francisco Bay Area)
  • Equity participation potential
  • Collaborative, experimental culture that values curiosity and creativity
  • Opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven research

Meet Your Recruiter

Daniel Wilberschied
Executive Recruiter

Daniel Wilberschied is an Executive Recruiter dedicated to the industry of Market Research and Consumer Insights. His commitment to partnership in the recruitment relationship allows him to be a true consultant across both client and candidate. Daniel has successfully partnered with both niche research companies and fortune 500 corporations, all through transparent communication and industry expertise. Outside of work Daniel loves spending time with his family and playing music. 

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About San Francisco, CA

Ready to take your career to new heights? Explore job opportunities around the bustling city of San Francisco, California. Known for its vibrant tech scene, picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, diverse culinary offerings like the famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls at Fisherman's Wharf, and the artistic vibe of the iconic street art at Clarion Alley. Work-life balance flourishes with easy access to outdoor adventures like hiking in Muir Woods, catching a Giants game at Oracle Park, or browsing through the exhibits at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Join us in San Francisco and discover the endless possibilities this innovative and charming city has to offer.

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