Applied AI Engineer
Senior · Full Time
Opens PermitFlow's application page
Role
What you'll do.
PermitFlow is seeking an Applied AI Engineer to develop and deploy intelligent AI agents that automate complex permitting workflows for construction projects. The ideal candidate will architect multi-step AI systems, build robust infrastructure, and contribute to a cutting-edge platform that is transforming the construction technology landscape.
Responsibilities
- AI Agent Development: Design and deploy AI agents that comprehensively automate end-to-end permitting workflows for construction projects
- System Orchestration: Integrate and orchestrate multiple AI models and tools to create reliable, multi-step intelligent systems with high accuracy and performance
- Infrastructure Engineering: Build and maintain internal tools, backend services, APIs, and data pipelines that power and monitor AI agent performance
- Performance Optimization: Design and implement evaluation frameworks to measure AI agent accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, while continuously optimizing inference pipelines
- Platform Contribution: Collaborate with engineering team to contribute to core system architecture and platform design, ensuring scalable and innovative solutions
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
AI/ML Systems
Proven experience in developing and deploying production-grade AI and machine learning systems
Backend Development
Strong skills in backend and API development with ability to integrate AI functionality into user-facing features
System Architecture
Expertise in designing multi-step ML pipelines, agentic workflows, and scalable system architectures
Education
Academic Background
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, or related technical field
Experience
Professional Experience
Minimum of 3 years of software or machine learning engineering experience post-Bachelor's or Master's degree
Production AI
Hands-on experience shipping AI-powered products and production-ready ML systems
Skills
Required
AI/ML Engineering
Advanced skills in developing intelligent agent systems and machine learning workflows
Backend Programming
Proficiency in backend development and API design
System Design
Strong capability in designing complex, scalable software architectures
Preferred
Construction Tech Knowledge
Nice to haveUnderstanding of construction industry workflows and regulatory processes
Cloud Infrastructure
Nice to haveExperience with cloud platforms and scalable infrastructure design
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·USD 175,000 – 250,000
Benefits
Equity Compensation
Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth startup with significant venture capital backing
Healthcare
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Flexible Work
Hybrid work model with 3 days per week in NYC office and flexible remote options
Professional Development
Direct access to company leadership and opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI technologies
Work Perks
Home office equipment stipend and provided in-office lunch and dinner
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
Phone or video call with recruiting team to assess basic qualifications and background
- 02
Technical Assessment
Take-home coding challenge focused on AI system design and implementation
- 03
Technical Interviews
Series of technical interviews with engineering team, covering system design, ML workflows, and coding skills
- 04
Leadership Interview
Discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and alignment with company vision
- 05
Final Interview
Comprehensive review and potential job offer discussion
Full posting
Original listing.
PermitFlow is redefining how America builds. We’re an applied AI company serving the nation’s builders, tackling one of the largest information challenges in the economy: understanding what can be built, where, and how. Our AI agent workforce helps the fastest-growing construction companies navigate everything from permitting and licensing to inspections and project closeouts – accelerating housing, clean-energy, and infrastructure development across the country.
Despite being a $1.6T industry, construction still suffers from massive delays, wasted capital, and lost opportunity. PermitFlow has already delivered unprecedented speed, accuracy, and visibility to over $20B in development, helping contractors reduce compliance time, de-risk projects, and scale with confidence.
As the U.S. enters a new capex supercycle across data centers, factories, housing, and renewables, joining PermitFlow means building the AI infrastructure at the core of every construction project driving the next wave of reindustrialization.
We’ve raised over $90M, most recently completing our Series B, from top-tier investors including Accel, Kleiner Perkins, Initialized, Y Combinator, Felicis, and Altos Ventures, with backing from leaders at OpenAI, Google, Procore, ServiceTitan, Zillow, PlanGrid, and Uber.
Our HQ is in New York City with a hybrid schedule (3 in-office days per week). We prefer NYC-based candidates or those open to relocation.
Role Overview
As an Applied AI Engineer, you will design and deploy the AI agents that power PermitFlow’s pre-construction platform. You will own the full lifecycle of intelligent agents—from model development to orchestration, productionization, and evaluation—while contributing to core platform engineering.
What You’ll Do
Develop and deploy AI agents that automate permitting workflows end-to-end
Orchestrate multiple models and tools to create reliable, multi-step AI systems
Build the internal tools and infrastructure that power and monitor these agents
Design and implement backend and frontend services, APIs, and data pipelines, integrating AI functionality into user-facing features when needed
Contribute to system architecture and core platform design with the engineering team
Design and maintain a suite of evaluations and benchmarks to measure agent accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
Optimize inference pipelines and backend systems for speed, scalability, and cost
What We’re Looking For
3+ years in software or ML engineering post-BS/MS
Hands-on experience shipping production AI/ML systems or AI-powered products
Experience building multi-step ML systems, pipelines, or agentic workflows
Strong backend and API development skills, with some frontend experience
Track record of building reliable products with attention to quality and detail
Startup grit and comfort in fast-moving, evolving environments
What We Offer
Competitive salary and meaningful equity in a high-growth company
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible PTO and paid family leave
Home office & equipment stipend
Hybrid NYC office culture (3 days in-office/week) with direct access to leadership
In-Office Lunch & Dinner Provided
PermitFlow provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or family status, as protected by applicable law.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
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