Senior AI/Python Engineer

About Fuel Cycle:

Fuel Cycle empowers leading organizations with agile research solutions that deliver decision-ready insights — fast, flexible, and fully integrated. As a market research disruptor, our AI-powered Insights Platform is built for speed, precision, and scale. With cutting-edge tools and seamless audience connectivity, we help brands ditch the guesswork and make smarter, customer-led decisions at lightning speed.

Why work at Fuel Cycle?

Join a high-growth team where curiosity is valued, ownership is encouraged, and your work drives real-world impact. Whether you’re based at our Los Angeles HQ, New York City hub, working remotely across the U.S., or part of our global team in India, you’ll help shape the future of decision intelligence for some of the world’s most iconic brands.

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Senior AI/Python Engineer with deep expertise in modern web frameworks and data processing libraries. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with FastAPI and/or Flask for building robust web services, Streamlit for rapid application prototyping, and SQLAlchemy with PostgreSQL for data management. Additionally, you should be familiar with Pandas for data manipulation and have exposure to leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) through Langchain. Experience with Docker and the AWS ecosystem is essential for deploying scalable applications in a cloud environment. 

This position follows a hybrid work model and is based out of our Los Angeles HQ, with an on-site presence required 3 days/week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop & Maintain Applications: Design, build, and maintain high-performance, scalable AI subsystems and applications using Python, leveraging frameworks such as FastAPI, and Streamlit. 

• Data Management & Processing: Use SQLAlchemy with PostgreSQL for efficient data handling and integrate Pandas for data analysis and transformation. 

• LLM Integration: Work with large language models (LLMs) via Langchain to build and deploy AI-driven features and applications. 

• DevOps & Cloud Deployment: Containerize applications using Docker and deploy them on AWS, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security. 

• Collaborative Development: Collaborate with data scientists, AI researchers, product managers, and other engineers to understand requirements, design solutions, and deliver high-quality products. 

• Code Quality & Best Practices: Ensure adherence to industry best practices, code quality standards, testing, and documentation throughout the development lifecycle. 

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging technologies, frameworks, and methodologies to continually enhance our AI capabilities. 

Your Success Metrics:

• Deliver high-quality, scalable, and well-documented Python applications within project deadlines.

• Ensure seamless integration of LLMs and AI capabilities to enhance product features.

• Optimize database performance and ensure data integrity with SQLAlchemy and PostgreSQL.

• Successfully deploy and maintain applications in the AWS cloud environment.

• Contribute to code reviews, knowledge sharing, and mentorship within the team.

Who you’ll work with?

• Engineering

• Product

Core Skills, Competencies & Attributes:

• Technical Excellence: Strong expertise in Python, FastAPI/Flask, Streamlit, pandas, numpy, Vector Stores and AI/ML frameworks.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot, debug, and optimize code for performance.

• Collaboration & Communication: Work effectively with cross-functional teams across different time zones.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, and data engineering.

• Ownership & Accountability: Take initiative and responsibility for the success of the projects.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. 

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Python development. 

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience with FastAPI or Flask for building RESTful APIs (demonstratable project work). 

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience with Docker and deployment in the AWS ecosystem (demonstratable project work). 

• Experience in developing interactive applications using Streamlit. 

• Strong knowledge of SQLAlchemy and PostgreSQL/MySQL for relational database management. 

• Proficiency with Pandas for data processing and analysis. 

• Demonstrated experience with LLMs and familiarity with Langchain framework for AI applications. 

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment. 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 

Preferred, but Not Required

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks. 

• Familiarity with microservices architecture and serverless computing on AWS. 

• Prior experience in an AI-driven product environment or in building AI applications. 

• Exposure to additional data science tools or libraries is a plus. 

Benefits & Perks:

Fuel Cycle is committed to supporting the well-being, flexibility, and growth of our team. We offer a competitive and inclusive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

• 401(k) with Company Match: Plan for your future with our retirement savings program

• Equity Purchase Option: Participate in Fuel Cycle’s long-term success

• Flexible Work Schedule: Empowering you to balance life and work

• Generous Time Off:

  • 15 vacation days and 7 sick days per year

  • 12 company holidays

  • 4 floating holidays/recharge days to rest or celebrate what matters to you

• Paid Parental Leave: Time to bond with your growing family

• Monthly Internet & Phone Stipend: Support for remote work setup

• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Access to tools like Rightway (healthcare navigation), Headspace (mental wellness), and more

• Team Connection Perks:

  • Weekly community lunches, refreshments, and snacks at our LA & NY headquarters

  • Pet-friendly office environments

Compensation Overview:

The expected starting salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000. This range represents the typical starting compensation offered to candidates hired into this role. Final base salary will be determined based on a variety of factors, including location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education, and certifications.

These components make up your total compensation package, which will be reviewed in greater detail during your initial recruiter conversation.

At Fuel Cycle, we embrace the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and are committed to fostering an inclusive company culture. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, should have equal access to opportunities for growth and advancement. Our selection processes and career pathways are designed to be fair, transparent, and free from bias. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of each team member, knowing that this diverse range of experiences strengthens our team. Fuel Cycle stands firmly against discrimination based on disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Fuel Cycle is an equal opportunity employer and fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, as needed, to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job and participate in the application and interview process. If you require accommodations during any part of the application process, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.

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