AI & Data Engineer

Instant Teams; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Launchpad Build AI in El Segundo is seeking a hands-on AI Engineer to join a small, high-impact team. You will work directly with the VP of AI to build and maintain the data and model infrastructure that underpins the Manufacturing Language Model, balancing model development with internal AI tooling.

The role requires strong Python skills, experience with dataset curation and ML training workflows, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, with occasional travel for

Qualifications

• Approximately 3 years of AI, data, or software engineering experience.
• Strong Python and exposure to PyTorch or similar DL framework.
• Experience with dataset curation, labeling pipelines, or ML training workflows.
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup where you’ll wear many hats.

Responsibilities

• Curate, clean, and version training datasets with train/val/test splits.
• Label and validate ground-truth examples for transformer training.
• Run training experiments and document results with metrics.
• Map internal applications and data flows to identify AI tooling opportunities.
• Support data governance and prepare data infrastructure reports.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

Dataset curation

ML training workflows

Startup environment

Tools

Weights & Biases

Jira

Confluence

Job description

About Launchpad Build AI

Launchpad Build AI designs and manufactures advanced automation, robotics, and intelligent systems for next-generation manufacturing and infrastructure. Our new El Segundo facility supports prototyping, assembly, testing, and deployment of complex electromechanical systems as we scale production and customer delivery.

Position Summary

We are looking for a hands‑on AI Engineer to join our small, high‑impact AI team. You will
work directly with the VP of AI to build and maintain the data and model infrastructure that
underpins the Manufacturing Language Model. This is a dual‑track role: half model
development (Language Model fine‑tuning, dataset pipelines), half operational AI (internal AI
tooling, data audits, application mapping).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Dataset Curation & Language Model Fine‑tuning:
  • Curate, clean, and version training datasets; maintain data quality standards and
    train/val/test splits.
  • Label and validate ground‑truth examples (PDDL task plans, assembly graphs) for
    transformer training.
  • Run training experiments, track metrics (Weights & Biases or equivalent), and document
    results.
• Operational AI toolkit:
  • Map internal applications and data flows; identify where AI tooling (document control
    agents, proposal assistants, Jira/Confluence intelligence) can reduce engineering friction.
  • Implement data governance practices: ownership tagging, sensitivity classification,
    metadata standards.
  • Support the VP of AI in preparing data infrastructure reports and board‑level metrics.

Required Qualifications

• Essential
  • ~3 years of experience in an AI, data, or software engineering role
  • Strong Python skills; some exposure to PyTorch or a similar deep learning framework
  • Experience with dataset curation, labelling pipelines, or ML training workflows
  • Thrives in a fast‑paced startup where you’ll wear many hats
• Desirable
  • Experience in applied research — whether through a postgraduate degree, a research role, or published work
  • Exposure to robotics, model‑based systems engineering (MBSE), ontologies, or industrial software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and production floor environment
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, tools, and equipment
• Noise levels typical of a manufacturing facility
• Use of PPE may be required
• Occasional travel required (approximately 20% of the time)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Launchpad Build AI is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.