Founding Engineer (Applied AI)

Clera

$100K — $180K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of hands-on experience in Computer Vision and ML/Deep Learning
  • Strong proficiency in Python programming
  • Demonstrated ability to bring AI/ML systems from concept to production
  • A growth mindset valuing personal development over traditional credentials
  • Comfort with navigating ambiguity and tackling complex challenges
  • Strong communication skills with an emphasis on empathy and transparency

Responsibilities

  • Focus on developing the intelligence layer of AI systems, particularly ML models and algorithms
  • Implement state-of-the-art computer vision and AI techniques on real construction documents
  • Rapidly develop initial prototypes and refine them through user feedback
  • Design and implement a model-garden architecture for enhancing blueprint comprehension
  • Create and maintain object detection models and integrated ML pipelines in production environments

Benefits

  • Join an early-stage startup with a mission-driven focus on improving construction efficiency
  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology
  • Be a core member of a team tackling significant industry challenges
  • Environment that encourages rapid iteration and direct user engagement
  • Potential for significant impact in transforming the construction tech landscape
Full Job Description
About the Role

Join an early-stage, seed-funded AI startup in the construction tech space that is automating the process of reading construction blueprints and extracting material and cost data. The company is tackling a massive, largely manual industry problem using cutting-edge computer vision and AI - and this hire will be a core part of the technical foundation. If you love hard problems, shipping quickly, and iterating directly with users, this is the role for you.
What You'll Do
  • Focus on the intelligence layer - ML models, algorithms, and AI systems - rather than the application layer
  • Apply the latest computer vision, LLM, and AI techniques to real construction documents (blueprints, plans, specs)
  • Ship initial prototypes fast, then iterate based on direct user feedback
  • Help design and coordinate a model-garden architecture for blueprint understanding
  • Work on object detection models and supporting ML pipelines in production
What We're Looking For

Required:
  • Hands-on applied Computer Vision and ML/Deep Learning experience
  • Strong Python skills
  • Proven 0-to-1 builder - you have shipped AI/ML systems to production
  • Growth mindset: we value trajectory over pedigree
  • Comfortable with ambiguity, early-stage grind, and getting deep into hard problems
  • Communicates with empathy and honesty

Nice to Have:
  • Prior founder or startup experience - you've built something people used or paid for
  • Background in construction, architecture, or related trades
  • Impact-driven mindset aligned with making housing and infrastructure more accessible
Compensation & Details
  • Salary: $100,000 - $180,000 USD annually
  • Employment: Full-time
  • Visa sponsorship: Not available
Location

This role is fully on-site in San Francisco, CA. Candidates must be SF-based or willing to relocate.

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