Builders + Backers
About the Role
This position is based in the Washington DC region, and candidates will only be considered if they currently live in or expressly state their willingness to move to this region. We value in-person collaboration during critical architecture and planning phases.
Opportunity.
We are seeking a Full Stack AI Engineer to design and build the intelligent core of our next-generation platform. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and AI systems—you'll architect how our platform orchestrates conversations and data across multiple AI models, manages context intelligently, and continuously improves based on user interactions.
As our Full Stack AI Engineer, you'll help develop the systems that make our mentorship engine smarter over time. You'll build the infrastructure that powers personalized, context-aware guidance for thousands of entrepreneurs—from the AI orchestration layer that routes conversations to the most effective AI model, to the context management systems that help our agents utilize what matters. This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll write production code, design scalable systems, and collaborate closely with our technical leadership to shape our platform’s AI capabilities.
This is an ideal role for a mid-career engineer who wants to move beyond traditional backend work into the rapidly evolving world of AI-powered applications—building systems that genuinely help people while working with cutting‑edge technologies.
About Us Builders + Backers has radically reimagined entrepreneurship. We operate the world’s first AI‑enabled venture studio for entrepreneurship education, combining conversational AI, data‑driven behavioral insights, and proven venture creation methods. Our mission is to democratize access to entrepreneurial resources to create the new onramp to entrepreneurship for everyday innovators—anyone, anywhere, anytime. AI powered, expert guided.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement our multi‑model AI orchestration layer, enabling intelligent routing based on task requirements, cost, and performance
Build context management systems including conversation memory, user journey tracking, and retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) capabilities
Develop prompt optimization pipelines that improve response quality based on structured feedback and evaluation data
Implement model fallback strategies, error handling, and graceful degradation patterns that maintain user experience during provider issues
Implement cost monitoring and optimization logic across multiple AI providers
Build evaluation and feedback systems for continuous AI improvement
Build robust APIs that support real‑time streaming responses from AI systems, ensuring low‑latency delivery to frontend clients
Deploy and maintain AI services in production environments with appropriate monitoring and observability
Design data schemas and storage strategies for conversation history, user context, and AI evaluation data
Design systems with appropriate data privacy and security considerations for handling user data and AI interactions
Create instrumentation and logging infrastructure that enables continuous improvement of our AI agents
Build foundational systems for our Entrepreneur Intelligence Layer, including metadata logging, quality evaluation hooks, and feedback collection
Develop the technical infrastructure for our Mentor Persona System—enabling AI agents to provide guidance aligned with proven entrepreneurial frameworks
Design learning system foundations that enable AI improvement through structured feedback loops
Collaborate with product leadership to translate mentorship quality goals into measurable technical systems
Collaboration & Technical Growth
Work closely with our Head of Engineering on architectural decisions and system design
Participate in code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices
Document system designs, API contracts, and operational procedures
Stay current with rapidly evolving AI/LLM technologies and evaluate new tools and approaches
Required Qualifications Experience & Background
5+ years of software engineering experience with demonstrated full stack development (both frontend and backend)
1+ years of hands‑on experience building applications that integrate LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or similar)
Track record of shipping production systems that handle real user traffic
Experience working in fast‑paced environments where requirements evolve and ambiguity is normal
Technical Depth
Strong proficiency in at least one modern backend language/framework (Python, Node.js, or similar)
Proficiency with modern React development patterns and TypeScript
Solid understanding of API design, authentication patterns, and system integration
Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar) and understanding of data modeling trade‑offs
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and deployment practices (AWS, GCP, or Azure), including containerization (Docker) and orchestration tools
AI/ML Platform Knowledge
Hands‑on experience integrating and orchestrating LLM APIs in production applications
Understanding of prompt engineering, context window management, and token optimization
Experience with or strong interest in AI orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar)
Familiarity with AI orchestration concepts—abstraction layers, model routing, and response streaming
Experience with or strong interest in vector databases and RAG architectures
Understanding of cost monitoring and optimization across AI providers
Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders
Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and iterating based on feedback
Strong written communication skills for documentation and async collaboration
Collaborative approach to problem‑solving—seeks input while taking ownership
Ideal Candidate Will Also Have
Advanced experience with AI orchestration frameworks, particularly LiteLLM
Experience with AI orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LiteLLM, or similar)
Experience with agent frameworks (LangGraph, CrewAI, AutoGen) or multi‑agent system architectures
Production experience with vector databases (Pinecone, pgvector, Weaviate, Chroma) and optimization of retrieval quality through chunking strategies
Background in building evaluation or feedback systems for AI applications
Background in A/B testing or experimentation infrastructure for AI applications
Experience with cost optimization across multiple AI model providers
Understanding of reinforcement learning concepts or AI evaluation frameworks
Exposure to entrepreneurship ecosystems (venture studios, accelerators, startup environments)
Passion for building tools that genuinely help people learn and grow
Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary and equity package commensurate with experience and stage.
What We Offer A rare opportunity to architect a category‑defining platform at the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship. As our Lead Engineer, you'll shape technical strategy, build an engineering culture from its foundation, collaborate with visionary founders, and work with cutting‑edge AI technologies while directly impacting thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.
High‑impact role in a values‑driven organization where your work shapes the success of everyday innovators
Competitive compensation and meaningful equity reflecting your foundational contribution
Remote‑friendly work environment with occasional travel for team collaboration
Access to a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders
Support for professional development, conferences, and thought leadership opportunities
Resources and autonomy to build an industry‑leading platform and team
Culture and Values We believe in human‑AI synergy, where technology amplifies rather than replaces human potential. Our work is driven by a deep commitment to expanding access to entrepreneurship and building tools that make venture creation possible for anyone, anywhere.
Core Principles
Pursue Excellence, Always, In Everything
Action Is Our First Instinct
We are Empowered and Empower Others
We Remember the Rookie Feeling
How to Apply Please apply via buildersandbackers.com/careers with:
Resume highlighting relevant technical leadership and AI/ML experience
Your approach to architecting AI‑powered platforms
An example of a technical decision you made that had significant impact
Why you’re interested in democratizing entrepreneurship through technology
Builders + Backers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Opportunity.
We are seeking a Full Stack AI Engineer to design and build the intelligent core of our next-generation platform. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and AI systems—you'll architect how our platform orchestrates conversations and data across multiple AI models, manages context intelligently, and continuously improves based on user interactions.
As our Full Stack AI Engineer, you'll help develop the systems that make our mentorship engine smarter over time. You'll build the infrastructure that powers personalized, context-aware guidance for thousands of entrepreneurs—from the AI orchestration layer that routes conversations to the most effective AI model, to the context management systems that help our agents utilize what matters. This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll write production code, design scalable systems, and collaborate closely with our technical leadership to shape our platform’s AI capabilities.
This is an ideal role for a mid-career engineer who wants to move beyond traditional backend work into the rapidly evolving world of AI-powered applications—building systems that genuinely help people while working with cutting‑edge technologies.
About Us Builders + Backers has radically reimagined entrepreneurship. We operate the world’s first AI‑enabled venture studio for entrepreneurship education, combining conversational AI, data‑driven behavioral insights, and proven venture creation methods. Our mission is to democratize access to entrepreneurial resources to create the new onramp to entrepreneurship for everyday innovators—anyone, anywhere, anytime. AI powered, expert guided.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement our multi‑model AI orchestration layer, enabling intelligent routing based on task requirements, cost, and performance
Build context management systems including conversation memory, user journey tracking, and retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) capabilities
Develop prompt optimization pipelines that improve response quality based on structured feedback and evaluation data
Implement model fallback strategies, error handling, and graceful degradation patterns that maintain user experience during provider issues
Implement cost monitoring and optimization logic across multiple AI providers
Build evaluation and feedback systems for continuous AI improvement
Build robust APIs that support real‑time streaming responses from AI systems, ensuring low‑latency delivery to frontend clients
Deploy and maintain AI services in production environments with appropriate monitoring and observability
Design data schemas and storage strategies for conversation history, user context, and AI evaluation data
Design systems with appropriate data privacy and security considerations for handling user data and AI interactions
Create instrumentation and logging infrastructure that enables continuous improvement of our AI agents
Build foundational systems for our Entrepreneur Intelligence Layer, including metadata logging, quality evaluation hooks, and feedback collection
Develop the technical infrastructure for our Mentor Persona System—enabling AI agents to provide guidance aligned with proven entrepreneurial frameworks
Design learning system foundations that enable AI improvement through structured feedback loops
Collaborate with product leadership to translate mentorship quality goals into measurable technical systems
Collaboration & Technical Growth
Work closely with our Head of Engineering on architectural decisions and system design
Participate in code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices
Document system designs, API contracts, and operational procedures
Stay current with rapidly evolving AI/LLM technologies and evaluate new tools and approaches
Required Qualifications Experience & Background
5+ years of software engineering experience with demonstrated full stack development (both frontend and backend)
1+ years of hands‑on experience building applications that integrate LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or similar)
Track record of shipping production systems that handle real user traffic
Experience working in fast‑paced environments where requirements evolve and ambiguity is normal
Technical Depth
Strong proficiency in at least one modern backend language/framework (Python, Node.js, or similar)
Proficiency with modern React development patterns and TypeScript
Solid understanding of API design, authentication patterns, and system integration
Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar) and understanding of data modeling trade‑offs
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and deployment practices (AWS, GCP, or Azure), including containerization (Docker) and orchestration tools
AI/ML Platform Knowledge
Hands‑on experience integrating and orchestrating LLM APIs in production applications
Understanding of prompt engineering, context window management, and token optimization
Experience with or strong interest in AI orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar)
Familiarity with AI orchestration concepts—abstraction layers, model routing, and response streaming
Experience with or strong interest in vector databases and RAG architectures
Understanding of cost monitoring and optimization across AI providers
Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders
Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information and iterating based on feedback
Strong written communication skills for documentation and async collaboration
Collaborative approach to problem‑solving—seeks input while taking ownership
Ideal Candidate Will Also Have
Advanced experience with AI orchestration frameworks, particularly LiteLLM
Experience with AI orchestration frameworks (LangChain, LiteLLM, or similar)
Experience with agent frameworks (LangGraph, CrewAI, AutoGen) or multi‑agent system architectures
Production experience with vector databases (Pinecone, pgvector, Weaviate, Chroma) and optimization of retrieval quality through chunking strategies
Background in building evaluation or feedback systems for AI applications
Background in A/B testing or experimentation infrastructure for AI applications
Experience with cost optimization across multiple AI model providers
Understanding of reinforcement learning concepts or AI evaluation frameworks
Exposure to entrepreneurship ecosystems (venture studios, accelerators, startup environments)
Passion for building tools that genuinely help people learn and grow
Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary and equity package commensurate with experience and stage.
What We Offer A rare opportunity to architect a category‑defining platform at the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship. As our Lead Engineer, you'll shape technical strategy, build an engineering culture from its foundation, collaborate with visionary founders, and work with cutting‑edge AI technologies while directly impacting thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.
High‑impact role in a values‑driven organization where your work shapes the success of everyday innovators
Competitive compensation and meaningful equity reflecting your foundational contribution
Remote‑friendly work environment with occasional travel for team collaboration
Access to a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders
Support for professional development, conferences, and thought leadership opportunities
Resources and autonomy to build an industry‑leading platform and team
Culture and Values We believe in human‑AI synergy, where technology amplifies rather than replaces human potential. Our work is driven by a deep commitment to expanding access to entrepreneurship and building tools that make venture creation possible for anyone, anywhere.
Core Principles
Pursue Excellence, Always, In Everything
Action Is Our First Instinct
We are Empowered and Empower Others
We Remember the Rookie Feeling
How to Apply Please apply via buildersandbackers.com/careers with:
Resume highlighting relevant technical leadership and AI/ML experience
Your approach to architecting AI‑powered platforms
An example of a technical decision you made that had significant impact
Why you’re interested in democratizing entrepreneurship through technology
Builders + Backers is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr