Founding Engineer (Applied AI)

Clera; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Clera is seeking an on-site AI/ML engineer in San Francisco to build the intelligence layer for blueprint understanding. You will focus on computer vision and production ML, applying the latest techniques to real construction documents and iterating rapidly with direct user feedback.

The role requires hands-on CV/ML experience, strong Python skills, and a track record of shipping AI systems to production in an early-stage startup.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Computer Vision and ML/Deep Learning experience.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Proven 0-to-1 AI/ML production deployments.
• Willingness to work in early-stage startup environment.
• Empathetic communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Focus on the intelligence layer—ML models, algorithms, and AI systems.
• Apply CV, LLM, and AI techniques to construction documents (blueprints, plans, specs).
• Ship prototypes quickly and iterate based on user feedback.
• Help design and coordinate a model-garden architecture for blueprint understanding.
• Work on object detection models and ML pipelines in production.

Skills

Computer Vision

Deep Learning

Python

Production ML

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.