River

Staff Software Engineer (ML/AI, Full-stack)

River2 months ago
Location

Remote Americas + Europe

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 200,000 – 250,000

Level

Staff

Role

Staff Software Engineer

Posted

Jan 17, 2026

Full TimeStaff

The role

Summary

River is seeking a Staff Software Engineer specializing in ML/AI and full-stack development to build critical backend systems powering automation, decision-making, and AI-driven processes across onboarding, risk, compliance, and operations for a rapidly growing Bitcoin financial platform.

What you'll do

Machine Learning Systems Development: Design, train, and productionize machine learning models and LLM-based systems with a focus on production-grade implementations
Backend Infrastructure Engineering: Build and maintain training and inference infrastructure for machine learning models, ensuring scalability and reliability
Data Pipeline Management: Design, construct, and maintain robust data pipelines, integrations, and analytics infrastructure to support rapid team growth
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with product management and operations teams to plan, scope, and execute new projects and strategic initiatives
System Ownership: Take long-term ownership of critical systems, ensuring their continued performance and reliability as the company scales

What we look for

Technical

Machine Learning ExpertiseProven experience in designing, training, and deploying machine learning models in production environments
Backend System DesignDemonstrated ability to build reliable, scalable production systems with strong architectural design skills
Data InfrastructureExtensive experience with data-heavy systems, complex integrations, and data pipeline development

Education

Degree QualificationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

Professional ExperienceMinimum 6+ years of software engineering experience with a track record of building production systems at scale
System OwnershipProven capability in taking comprehensive ownership of complex technical systems and solving ambiguous problems

Skills

Required skills

Programming LanguagesStrong proficiency in Python and ability to work with multiple programming paradigms
Machine LearningDeep understanding of machine learning model training, deployment, and production use cases
System DesignAdvanced skills in designing reliable, scalable backend systems with robust architecture

Nice to have

Domain KnowledgeExperience in fintech, fraud detection, risk management, or compliance domains
Technology StackFamiliarity with Elixir, Postgres, cloud data infrastructure, and AI/ML technologies

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 200,000 – 250,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Health Coverage

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement Planning

401k retirement savings plan

Time Off

Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) with additional separate parental leave policy

Equity Compensation

Significant stock option grants providing long-term financial upside

Interview process

  1. 1
    Initial Screening — Preliminary review of application and resume by recruiting team
  2. 2
    Technical Phone Screen — Initial conversation to assess technical skills and background with senior engineering team member
  3. 3
    Technical Interview — In-depth technical assessment focusing on system design, machine learning expertise, and problem-solving skills
  4. 4
    System Design Challenge — Comprehensive evaluation of candidate's ability to design complex, scalable backend systems
  5. 5
    Final Interview — Discussion with leadership to assess cultural fit and long-term potential within the organization
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River

River

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River is a financial institution focused on Bitcoin, aiming to build a more open and equitable global financial system. The company provides a platform for both retail and institutional clients to buy, sell, and learn about Bitcoin. Its services include recurring buys, private client services, secure cold storage, and comprehensive reporting. River's mission is to empower individuals and businesses to access and utilize Bitcoin, thereby contributing to the development of a better financial future. It operates within the growing digital asset market, catering to those interested in Bitcoin investment and education.

San Francisco, USAFounded 2019river.com

Tech Stack

Languages
PythonElixir
Frameworks
PyTorchXGBoost
Databases
PostgreSQL
Tools
Cloud Infrastructure
Other
Machine Learning Tools
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