Overview

Founding AI Engineer - LLMs, software, hardware - is required by a fast growing and highly ambitious voice-powered storytelling companion designed to ignite children's imagination without screen time. By combining storytelling with responsible AI, they aim to support learning at home in innovative ways. Be part of the next Unicorn!

They are seeking a Founding AI Engineer to lead the next phase of their software platform. Their first prototype is live — now they need your expertise to evolve the tech, enhance the voice-driven storytelling experience, and scale responsibly. You’ll collaborate with their current hardware partner during the prototype phase, then take the lead on ensuring software/hardware integration as we move toward production.

Responsibilities

• Enhance their voice-to-voice architecture with LLMs, STT/TTS, and sound design.
• Take ownership of the full software stack: from the low-level code running on the SoC all the way to the backend services. Collaborate with the hardware lead for seamless voice/hardware interaction.
• Work with our partner to design and implement our AI safety layer. Define the company’s technical roadmap and infrastructure needs.
• Establish the foundation for future hires and workflows.

Experience required

• Senior software engineer with experience in LLM technologies (startup/product experience preferred).
• Expertise in software architecture, audio engineering, or AI/LLM integration.
• Ability to work with early-stage prototypes and iterate quickly.
• A curious mind that actively explores and adopts new AI tools and workflows.
• Commitment to ethical, age-appropriate technology for children.
• Collaborative spirit, working closely with founders.

Benefits

A mission-driven, creative, and impactful product. Founding equity and flexible role/schedule. Small salary with growth post-funding. Collaboration with partners, advisors, and supporters. Optionally represent the organisation at Web Summit Lisbon in November (with the rest of the team).

Location

Based remote, with one monthly meeting in London.