Machine Learning Engineer — AI Architecture Research
Featherless AI • Remote (world)
Posted: January 22, 2026
Job Description
About the Role
We’re looking for a Machine Learning Engineer focused on AI architecture research to help design, prototype, and validate next-generation model architectures. You’ll work at the intersection of research and production — turning new ideas into scalable, real-world systems.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys questioning architectural assumptions, experimenting with novel model designs, and pushing beyond standard Transformer-style approaches.
What You’ll Work On
Research and develop new neural network architectures (e.g. alternatives or extensions to Transformers, recurrent / hybrid models, long-context systems)
Design and run architecture-level experiments (scaling laws, memory mechanisms, compute trade-offs)
Prototype models end-to-end — from research code to training-ready implementations
Collaborate with inference and systems engineers to ensure architectures are deployable and efficient
Analyze model behavior, failure modes, and inductive biases
Read, reproduce, and extend cutting-edge research papers
Contribute to internal research notes, benchmarks, and open-source efforts (where applicable)
What We’re Looking For
Strong background in machine learning fundamentals and deep learning
Hands-on experience implementing model architectures from scratch
Solid understanding of:
Attention mechanisms, RNNs, state-space models, or hybrid architectures
Training dynamics, scaling behavior, and optimization
Memory, latency, and compute constraints at the model level
Comfortable working in PyTorch or JAX
Ability to move fluidly between theory, experimentation, and engineering
Clear communicator who can explain architectural trade-offs
Nice to Have
Experience with non-Transformer architectures (RNN variants, SSMs, long-context models)
Background in research-driven startups or open-source ML projects
Experience with large-scale training or custom training loops
Publications, preprints, or notable research contributions
Familiarity with inference optimization and deployment constraints
Why Join
Work on core model architecture, not just fine-tuning
Direct influence on the technical direction of a Series-A company
Small, high-caliber team with fast feedback loops
Opportunity to ship research into production
Competitive compensation + meaningful equity
Additional Content
About the Role
We’re looking for a Machine Learning Engineer focused on AI architecture research to help design, prototype, and validate next-generation model architectures. You’ll work at the intersection of research and production — turning new ideas into scalable, real-world systems.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys questioning architectural assumptions, experimenting with novel model designs, and pushing beyond standard Transformer-style approaches.
What You’ll Work On
Research and develop new neural network architectures (e.g. alternatives or extensions to Transformers, recurrent / hybrid models, long-context systems)
Design and run architecture-level experiments (scaling laws, memory mechanisms, compute trade-offs)
Prototype models end-to-end — from research code to training-ready implementations
Collaborate with inference and systems engineers to ensure architectures are deployable and efficient
Analyze model behavior, failure modes, and inductive biases
Read, reproduce, and extend cutting-edge research papers
Contribute to internal research notes, benchmarks, and open-source efforts (where applicable)
What We’re Looking For
Strong background in machine learning fundamentals and deep learning
Hands-on experience implementing model architectures from scratch
Solid understanding of:
Attention mechanisms, RNNs, state-space models, or hybrid architectures
Training dynamics, scaling behavior, and optimization
Memory, latency, and compute constraints at the model level
Comfortable working in PyTorch or JAX
Ability to move fluidly between theory, experimentation, and engineering
Clear communicator who can explain architectural trade-offs
Nice to Have
Experience with non-Transformer architectures (RNN variants, SSMs, long-context models)
Background in research-driven startups or open-source ML projects
Experience with large-scale training or custom training loops
Publications, preprints, or notable research contributions
Familiarity with inference optimization and deployment constraints
Why Join
Work on core model architecture, not just fine-tuning
Direct influence on the technical direction of a Series-A company
Small, high-caliber team with fast feedback loops
Opportunity to ship research into production
Competitive compensation + meaningful equity