Applied AI Engineer

The Role

We’re looking for exceptional AI engineers who’ve shipped breakthrough products that millions actually use. The kind of people who don’t just integrate APIs, they build features users love. You’ll work with Automattic’s ecosystem to shape how AI transforms products used by hundreds of millions of people across the planet—from helping creators tell better stories to empowering merchants to compete effectively.

This is about working on fascinating problems at scale with the backing of a profitable, mission-driven company. Whether you’re working in-person in NYC or distributed globally, you’ll have the autonomy to focus on high-impact work without the typical constraints of startups (fundraising pressure, runway anxiety) or large tech companies (bureaucracy, slow decision-making).

What You’ll Do

• Ship Features: Ship user-facing AI features across Automattic’s product ecosystem, from site-building tools to ecommerce recommendations to messaging experiences.

• Rapid Iteration: Build and iterate rapidly on AI-powered products that directly impact millions of users.

• Scale Innovations: Experiment and scale successful AI innovations from prototype to production across multiple products.

• Embed with Teams: Work closely with teams on products such as WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Mesh, Beeper, Pocket Casts, etc.

• Collaborate: Work alongside PMs, designers, and engineers in a fast-paced environment optimized for innovation.

• Stay Ahead: Stay current with AI developments that unlock new user experiences.

Requirements & Technical Experience

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Have Proven Impact: You have shipped AI features that users actually use. Production experience is valued over theoretical knowledge.

• Are Product-First: You know great AI is invisible to users; it just makes their experience better.

• Execute Rapidly: Move fast without breaking things. Prototype quickly while building for scale.

• Have LLM Expertise: You have production experience with LLMs (APIs or custom implementations) at meaningful scale, strong ML fundamentals, and can build AI UIs that perform well.

• Are Technically Versatile: You are strong across the stack OR deeply expert in your domain. (We primarily use PHP, TypeScript, and React).

• Are a Leader: You have a track record of technical leadership or influence on high-performing teams. You're the person other great engineers want to work with.

Bonus Points:

• Developed consumer AI products that scaled to significant numbers of users.

• Experience with WordPress, ecommerce, or messaging platforms.

• Open source contributions showing your thinking.

• Previous startup experience as a founder or early engineer.

• Based in NYC or willing to relocate (strong preference, but not required).

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $70,000 - $170,000 USD. (Please note that salary ranges are global, regardless of location, and we pay in local currency. Pay will reflect the potential contribution and the impact you can bring, which may, in some cases, go beyond the range stated for the right candidate.)

• Transparent Pay: We’re pleased to offer a straightforward, competitive base salary, providing financial clarity without complex variable components.

• Remote & Flexible: This isn’t your typical work-from-home job—we are a fully-remote company with an open vacation policy.

• Global Perks: To see a full list of benefits by country, consult our Benefits Page.