Machine Learning System Engineer(customer facing)Team: Solutions EngineeringLocation: [NYC] - HybridReports to: Head of Solution EngineeringWhat You'll Do As a customer-facing Machine Learning Solutions Engineer, you will serve as a key technical partner to our go-to-market organization, translating complex customer requirements into scalable AI and machine learning solutions on the Lightning AI platform. You will lead technical discovery, product demonstrations, proof-of-concepts, and post-sales engagements, helping customers successfully evaluate, deploy, and expand their use of the platform. Working at the intersection of customers, sales, product, and engineering, you will bring deep technical expertise to the sales process while translating real-world customer needs into actionable product insights. This highly cross-functional role is critical to accelerating customer adoption, influencing product direction, and demonstrating the business and technical value of Lightning A
I.Qualifications- 5-7 years in solutions engineering, sales engineering, field engineering, technical pre-sales, ML infrastructure, or related technical leadership roles.
- Deep understanding of complex technical selling, enterprise evaluation cycles, POCs, executive alignment, and cross-functional deal execution.
- Credibility with technical buyers and the ability to simplify AI, infrastructure, platform, and architecture concepts for senior business stakeholders.
- Experience partnering closely with Sales, Product, Engineering, Customer Success, Partnerships, Marketing, and Revenue Operations.
- Strong talent judgment and a track record of hiring, coaching, and developing technical field leaders.
- A high-accountability operating style with strong forecasting discipline, field inspection, and customer follow-through.
- Comfort leading in a fast-moving startup where the market, product, and GTM motion are evolving quickly.
Nice-to-Haves- Experience in AI infrastructure, cloud infrastructure, developer platforms, MLOps, data platforms, GPUs, or high-performance compute.
- Experience building a solutions engineering organization through rapid growth or category creation.
- Hands-on technical background in software engineering, ML engineering, platform engineering, infrastructure, or data systems.
- Experience supporting both direct enterprise sales and partner/channel technical motions.
Why Lightning AI- You will help define how companies build and scale real AI systems, not just sell another generic software product.
- You will work with technical customers and teammates who care about speed, clarity, craft, and direct problem-solving.
- You will join a company with developer credibility, infrastructure ambition, and a GTM motion that is still early enough to shape.
We are committed to offering competitive compensation that reflects the value each team member brings to our mission. Final offers are based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and role expectations. In addition to base salary, our total rewards package for eligible roles includes a discretionary bonus, a meaningful equity component, and comprehensive benefits.
The anticipated annual base salary range for this role is:
$170,000-$190,000 USD
Benefits and PerksWe offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and long-term success:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
- Meaningful Equity: RSUs that give employees a stake in the company's long-term success.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) matching (U.S.) and pension contributions (U.K.).
- Flexible Time Off: Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and floating holidays to support work-life balance.
- Company-Wide Winter Break: Two weeks of company closure each winter to disconnect and recharge.
- Paid Parental & Family Leave: Paid leave to support you and your family through life's important moments.
- Professional Development: Annual learning and development allowance to support your professional growth.
- Wellness Benefits: Wellness and work-from-home stipends to support your physical and mental well-being.
- Sabbatical Program: Four weeks of paid sabbatical leave after four years of service.
- Flexible Work: Flexible schedules and a hybrid work model for our office-based teams.
- In-Office Meals: Complimentary meals at our office hubs.
Benefits may vary by location, team, and role.
