Principal AI Architect / Head of AI / Machine Learning Architect (LLM Expert)

Jenn Nguyen and Friends; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading startup in AI infrastructure is seeking a Principal AI Architect to lead the design and implementation of innovative generative AI systems. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with LLMs and a strong academic background in AI/ML. Join a dynamic team focused on revolutionizing private wealth management through cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• Experience at top AI labs or foundation model companies.
• Hands-on expertise in building and training LLMs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of generative AI systems.
• Build and fine-tune LLMs and multi-modal systems.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

Education

PhD in AI/ML

Tools

ML frameworks

Job description

Principal AI Architect / Head of AI / Machine Learning Architect (LLM Expert)

Join to apply for the Principal AI Architect / Head of AI / Machine Learning Architect (LLM Expert) role at Jenn Nguyen and Friends.

Job Details

• Location: San Francisco (Hybrid, 3 days/week in office); Remote options available
• Employment Type: Full-time or Contract
• Salary Range: $170,000 - $220,000 per year + significant equity
• Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
• Industry: Business Consulting and Services

Company Overview

We are an early-stage, YC-backed startup building AI infrastructure to revolutionize private wealth creation and management. Our platform democratizes access to alternative investments like venture capital and private equity, making them accessible to a new generation of investors. We are already live with paying customers and significant revenue, backed by top-tier investors in fintech.

What You Will Do

1. Lead the design and implementation of generative AI systems for a next-gen financial advisor platform.
2. Build and fine-tune LLMs and multi-modal systems from scratch.
3. Architect retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines for real-time financial insights.
4. Develop autonomous agent frameworks for portfolio management and analysis.
5. Apply modern prompting techniques such as Tree of Thoughts and Constitutional AI.
6. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ship production-grade AI features.
7. Push the boundaries of AI innovation with scientific rigor.

Minimum Requirements

1. Experience at top AI labs or foundation model companies (e.g., OpenAI, DeepMind, Anthropic, Google Brain, Meta FAIR).
2. Hands-on expertise in building and training LLMs, not just API usage.
3. Advanced degree in AI/ML (PhD preferred) from a top-tier university.
4. Proficiency in Python, TypeScript, and relevant ML frameworks.
5. Familiarity with models like Claude, LLaMA, GPT-4, etc.
6. Willingness to work startup hours (~996 pace).

Nice-to-Haves

1. Publications at top AI conferences.
2. Experience with agentic AI protocols and memory architecture.
3. Startup experience or zero-to-one product development.
4. Domain knowledge in finance or investment tech.

Additional Details

Note: No relocation support or visa sponsorship provided at this time.