Applied AI Engineer at Tako

About TakoTako is an AI-first startup reinventing how companies manage people and payroll. We build products that eliminate bureaucracy, automate repetitive tasks, and give People teams the autonomy to focus on what truly matters.We're backed by top-tier investors (a16z and Ribbit Capital) and growing quickly. We’re building a collaborative onsite team at our new San Francisco office, and this role is one of our foundational AI hires in the U.S.About the RoleAs an Applied AI Engineer at Tako, you'll be responsible for designing and deploying AI solutions that directly power our core HR platform. You’ll collaborate closely with design, engineering, and product teams to develop fast, reliable, and deeply impactful models and infrastructure.This is a high-ownership, high-impact role where your work will shape the future of work itself.What You'll DoUse AI to automate real-world use cases, connected to our core HR product.Design, build, and deploy machine learning models and automations.Own the AI infrastructure stack — including data pipelines, and MLOps toolingContribute to key architectural decisions as we scale our AI capabilitiesCollaborate with product and design to develop delightful, AI-powered user experiencesStay current with advancements in AI and identify ways to apply them meaningfullyShare knowledge with the team and with the community.QualificationsRequired:1+ years of experience delivering AI solutions to production, with paying usersStrong Python or TS/Node skills and expertise with ML libraries like PyTorch or TensorFlowFamiliarity with cloud services (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)Solid understanding of model deployment, monitoring, and retraining in production environmentsStrong communication skills and a collaborative mindsetNice to have:Experience with LLMs, RAG pipelines, or vector databasesExperience building AI products in fast-paced startup environmentsContributions to open-source ML/AI tools or researchCompensation & BenefitsBase salary: USD 150,000 – USD 250,000/year (depending on level and interview performance)Equity: stock options packageComprehensive health, dental, and vision coveragePaid parental leaveFlexible monthly benefits On-site work at our brand new SF officeU.S. visa sponsorship availableWhy Join Tako?We're a team of builders with big-tech experience and startup speed. We move fast, avoid red tape, and care deeply about product quality. At Tako, you’ll have autonomy, ownership, and the chance to build AI that genuinely improves people's work lives.Equal Opportunity EmployerTako is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.