Software Engineer, Applied ML (Discovery, Recommendation & Search)
ML Engineer · Senior · Full Time
Opens Character.AI's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Character.AI is seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer specializing in Applied Machine Learning to enhance their discovery, recommendation, and search systems. The ideal candidate will develop and optimize ML backend infrastructure, working cross-functionally to support the company's innovative AI-powered consumer application.
Responsibilities
- ML Infrastructure Development: Design and implement applied ML models and infrastructure for discovery surfaces
- System Optimization: Optimize existing ML backend systems for recommendation, ranking, and search
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with product, data science, and data platform teams to develop innovative AI solutions
- Pipeline Management: Develop and maintain end-to-end ML data pipelines and model training infrastructure
- Performance Engineering: Ensure high-performance and scalability of ML services and model deployments
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Programming Languages
Expertise in modern typed languages for high-performance service development
Machine Learning
Strong understanding of ML frameworks and model optimization techniques
Cloud Technologies
Proficient in cloud infrastructure and distributed computing
Education
Computer Science Degree
B.A.S. in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience
Experience
Industry Experience
Minimum 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
ML Product Development
Experience shipping intelligent features from conception to production
Skills
Required
Cloud Infrastructure
Experience with cloud environments (GCP, AWS, or Azure)
ML Frameworks
Proficiency in PyTorch or TensorFlow
Service Development
Building performant services in modern typed languages
Web Services
Experience with RESTful and gRPC-based web services
CI/CD
Configuring and maintaining continuous integration and deployment pipelines
Preferred
AI/ML Systems
Nice to haveExperience with production AI/ML systems and services
GPU/TPU Optimization
Nice to haveOptimizing GPU and TPU deployments
Feature Storage
Nice to haveWorking with vector databases and feature storage systems
End-to-End ML Pipelines
Nice to haveDesigning and implementing full data ingestion to model training pipelines
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·USD 200,000 – 300,000
Equity·Stock options
Benefits
Innovative Work Environment
Opportunity to work at a unicorn AI startup reshaping entertainment
Impact Potential
Chance to make significant contributions from the first week
Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
Commitment to diversity and equal opportunity
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
Review of resume and initial qualifications
- 02
Technical Interview
In-depth assessment of ML and software engineering skills
- 03
System Design Round
Evaluation of architectural and infrastructure design capabilities
- 04
Final Interview
Discussion of team fit and long-term potential
Full posting
Original listing.
About the Role
As a Software / ML Engineer you will work cross functionally with product, data science and data platform to identify, design and implement the applied ML models and infra, ranging from the model optimization, data pipeline to model training and serving infrastructure, on one of the fastest growing native AI consumer applications on the market today. You will work on implementation of our ML backend systems to power the discovery surfaces including recommendation, ranking and search, supporting new AI generated content formats on our product while working with the team to support optimizing our existing systems.
Requirements:
B.A.S. in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
5+ years of industry experience
Experience building/consuming RESTful and gRPC based web-services
Experience building and managing infrastructure in a cloud environment (GCP, AWS or Azure)
Familiar with one of the popular ML Frameworks like Pytorch, Tensorflow
Experience writing highly performant service in a modern typed language
Experience configuring and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and automated testing
Desired Experience:
Experience with shipping intelligent features, end-to-end, and from idea to production
Experience with understanding, designing or implementing a full pipeline from data ingestion to model training.
Experience with production AI/ML systems and services including optimizing GPU/TPU deployments
Experience working with vector databases or other feature storage
You will be a good fit if you are proactive and have a “get things done” mindset. Given our current pace of growth and load on our systems, most people have had a significant impact during their first week at the company.
About Character.AI
Character.AI empowers people to connect, learn and tell stories through interactive entertainment. Over 20 million people visit Character.AI every month, using our technology to supercharge their creativity and imagination. Our platform lets users engage with tens of millions of characters, enjoy unlimited conversations, and embark on infinite adventures.
In just two years, we achieved unicorn status and were honored as Google Play's AI App of the Year—a testament to our innovative technology and visionary approach.
Join us and be a part of establishing this new entertainment paradigm while shaping the future of Consumer AI!
At Character, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly uphold a non-discrimination policy based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability. Your unique perspectives are vital to our success.
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