Founding Engineer (Applied AI)

Clera; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity at founding engineer level

Job summary

Clera in San Francisco, CA is seeking a founding engineer to own the intelligence layer of our AI-powered construction pre-construction workflow. You will ship production-grade CV/ML systems and help take research ideas to reliable, user-facing features.

The role demands strong applied ML, Python proficiency, and a pragmatic, feedback-driven mindset. You’ll join a small, fast-moving team where equity is offered at founding engineer level and relocation to SF may be required.

Qualifications

• Strong applied ML experience including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision.

Responsibilities

• Drive the intelligence layer of the product focusing on CV/ML systems.
• Apply cutting-edge computer vision models, LLMs, and AI systems to construction workflows.
• Ship initial prototypes quickly and iterate based on user feedback.
• Coordinate multiple ML models into production-ready pipelines.

Skills

Applied ML

Python

Computer vision

Communication

Growth mindset

Ambiguity tolerance

Job description

About The Role

This is a founding engineering role at an early-stage AI startup transforming the construction pre-construction workflow through automated blueprint understanding and cost estimation. You'll own the intelligence layer — advancing computer vision and AI systems from research to reliable, shipped products that real users depend on. It's a high-impact position on a small, fast-moving team where your work directly shapes the core product.

What You'll Do

• Drive the intelligence layer of the product, focusing on CV/ML systems rather than application-layer work.
• Apply cutting-edge computer vision models, LLMs, and AI systems to real construction workflows.
• Ship initial prototypes quickly, then iterate and improve based on direct user feedback.
• Coordinate and compose multiple ML models into coherent, production-ready pipelines.
• Roll up your sleeves for hands-on, ground-level work — this team embraces "schlep" as part of building early-stage products.

What We're Looking For

• Proven 0-to-1 builder with AI systems shipped to production.
• Strong applied ML experience, including machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision (object detection a plus).
• Proficient in Python and comfortable working across the ML stack.
• Growth mindset — values trajectory and continuous learning over prior pedigree.
• Communicates with empathy and honesty; proactively flags what's working and what isn't.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and repetitive foundational work common at early-stage startups.
• US citizenship required (visa sponsorship is not available).
• Bonus: background in construction or estimating.
• Bonus: prior experience founding or contributing early to a product that attracted real users or paying customers.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range: $120,000 – $180,000 USD annually. Equity participation expected at the founding engineer level. No visa sponsorship available.

Location

On-site, full-time in San Francisco, California, USA. Candidates must be based in SF or willing to relocate.