Ai Research Engineer • Lead

Who you are

You have a strong background in AI and machine learning, with experience leading teams in a research or applied science context. You thrive in a startup environment where ambiguity is common, and you enjoy the challenge of translating complex research into practical applications. Your leadership style fosters collaboration and innovation, encouraging your team to explore new ideas and approaches. You are comfortable working closely with engineering and product teams, ensuring that research aligns with product goals and user needs.

You possess excellent communication skills, allowing you to articulate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Your experience in advertising or marketing is a strong plus, as it helps you understand the context in which AI can enhance consumer engagement. You are a doer who enjoys being hands-on, contributing directly to the development of AI agents while guiding your team.

What you'll do

In this role, you will lead a lean team of applied researchers, driving the development of AI capabilities for Firsthand's Brand Agent platform. You will work closely with engineering and product teams to ensure that research outputs are effectively translated into production-ready AI agents. Your responsibilities will include setting the research agenda, mentoring team members, and fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation.

You will be involved in hands-on development, working alongside your team to build and refine AI models that enhance consumer engagement. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be key, as you will need to align research initiatives with product development timelines and objectives. You will also be responsible for communicating research findings and their implications to stakeholders, ensuring that the value of your team's work is understood and appreciated.

What we offer

Firsthand offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the future of AI-driven consumer engagement. You will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about leveraging AI to transform marketing and advertising. The role is hybrid, allowing for flexibility in your work schedule while also providing the benefits of in-person collaboration three days a week in our New York office. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every requirement, as we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds.