About this role
Summary: As a founding AI Engineer, you will own the AI layer end-to-end, designing LLM-powered features, agent workflows, and production systems. You will set technical direction and engineering standards while working directly with founders in a stealth-stage startup.
A stealth-stage startup in Berlin is building AI-native products and is making its first dedicated AI hire. You will own the AI layer end to end and set the technical direction the future team inherits.
The role
You own architecture, LLM integration, agent workflows, evaluation and production, and work directly with the founders. Based in Berlin with a flexible setup.
What you'll own
- Design and ship LLM-powered product features, from first prototype to production.
- Build the agent and orchestration layer: retrieval, tool use, evaluation and monitoring.
- Own model selection and the trade-offs between cost, latency and quality across providers.
- Measure honestly and document what you build, so the next hires can pick it up.
- Set the engineering standards the future team builds on.
What you bring
- LLM-based features shipped to real users in production, not demos.
- A strong software engineering foundation, fluent in Python and/or TypeScript.
- A pragmatic approach to models: you evaluate, measure and swap rather than commit to one provider.
- Based in Berlin or ready to relocate.
- English as the working language; German is a plus.
What to expect
- Founding engineer scope: the AI layer is yours.
- Equity that matches the stage.
- A direct line to the founders, with no layers and no legacy code.
About the company
A stealth-stage technology startup in Berlin building AI-native products. The name and product are shared in the first conversation.
Interested? Send your application to Timo Gunia, timo@guniaconsulting.com.