AI Operations Engineer

Surge AI; United States; Remote; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Surge AI is seeking an AI Operations Engineer to design and build scalable data processing pipelines and internal tooling. You will own end-to-end data collection and quality frameworks for frontier AI projects, collaborating with engineering to deliver high-impact solutions at scale.

The role suits someone early in their career or transitioning from a technical background, with hands-on Python coding and a passion for building robust systems and datasets used to evaluate cutting-edge models.

Qualifications

• Background in CS, engineering, or another quantitative field.
• Hands-on coding with Python and building tools from scratch.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage cross-functional projects.
• Interest in AI systems; ML experience valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable data processing pipelines and AI-based quality tools.
• Build automation workflows with engineering collaboration.
• Expand processes for customer support and value delivery.
• Lead multiple cross-functional projects with timelines and deadlines.

Skills

Python

Cross-functional teamwork

Ambiguity handling

Interpersonal skills

System design

Education

CS/Engineering background

Job description

About Us

Our mission is to raise AGI with the richness of human intelligence — curious, witty, imaginative, and full of unexpected brilliance.

Surge was founded by engineers and researchers who dreamed of building the next generation AI. We're building a platform that powers the most powerful models in the world in partnership with companies like Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and Meta.

At Surge, we believe the path to AGI isn't just about scaling compute—it's about embracing the unlimited ceiling of human intelligence and creativity in the data that shapes these systems. Our platform combines elite human expertise with cutting-edge tools for scalable oversight, from building rich RL environments to conducting rigorous evaluations that go beyond benchmarks. We've run a profitable business from day one without raising venture funding.

The Role

As an AI Operations Engineer at Surge, you'll lead initiatives that directly impact our products and our customers. You'll be part of our operations team and collaborate closely with engineering solve our most complex challenges.

This role is ideal for someone earlier in their career — or looking to apply a technical background in a new context — who thrives in rapidly scaling, high-ambiguity environments. You'll spend a meaningful portion of your time designing and building — whether that's data processing pipelines, custom internal tooling, or AI-powered systems that improve how we deliver and evaluate work at scale. You'll also own the end-to-end design and execution of data collection projects for frontier AI labs — defining task structures, building quality frameworks, and shipping datasets that directly improve the world's most advanced models.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build scalable systems and tooling — including data processing pipelines, automation workflows, and AI-based quality control tools — working closely with engineering to ship solutions to real operational problems.




• Establish and expand scalable processes to enhance customer support and value delivery.




• Drive execution of multiple simultaneous cross-functional projects, setting timelines and managing deadlines.




• Interface with a variety of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  

What We’re Looking for

• Background in CS, engineering, or another quantitative field preferred.




• Hands-on coding experience (Python or similar) and comfort building tools and systems from scratch — not just scripting, but designing solutions to real operational problems.




• Proven track record of navigating ambiguity and executing complex, cross-functional projects in a high-performing environment.




• Strong interpersonal skills that enable you to influence without authority and build cross-organizational alignment.




• Comfortable working through trade-offs, balancing competing priorities, and having your mind changed.




• Deep interest in AI systems — direct AI/ML experience valued but not required.