Senior Software Engineer, Applied AI

About this role

<p><strong>Your Impact at LILA</strong></p> <p>We are seeking a <strong>Senior Software Engineer</strong> to join our Applied AI group and help build the next generation of our AI-driven scientific platform. In this role, you will design and optimize the backend systems, data pipelines, and AI integrations that power intelligent, data-driven applications. You’ll work at the intersection of backend engineering and machine learning, ensuring our platform seamlessly scales and supports cutting-edge applied AI techniques such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agentic AI, and large language model (LLM) integration.</p> <p>This role is ideal for someone who thrives in bridging software engineering and applied AI—turning research into production-grade systems that drive real-world scientific discovery. If you are passionate about building performant, elegant systems that make AI useful and impactful, we would love to hear from you!</p> <p><strong>What You'll Be Building</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Applied AI Integration:</strong> Design and deploy backend services and data pipelines that directly support advanced AI applications, including LLMs, RAG, and agentic frameworks.</li> <li><strong>API & Service Development:</strong> Build high-performance APIs and microservices that enable seamless integration between AI models, scientific tools, and user-facing applications.</li> <li><strong>Data Pipeline Architecture:</strong> Architect and manage scalable pipelines capable of handling structured, unstructured, and vectorized data for AI/ML workloads.</li> <li><strong>Database & Knowledge Systems:</strong> Implement and optimize SQL, NoSQL, and vector databases to support low-latency AI retrieval and inference workloads.</li> <li><strong>Cloud & Infrastructure:</strong> Leverage AWS, Kubernetes, and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform/CloudFormation) to build robust, production-ready AI platforms.</li> <li><strong>Performance & Reliability:</strong> Diagnose system bottlenecks, optimize for cost and speed, and ensure the reliability and fault-tolerance of AI-driven workflows.</li> <li><strong>Collaboration:</strong> Partner with ML researchers, platform engineers, and scientists to translate models and algorithms into scalable, production-ready systems.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What You’ll Need to Succeed</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Educational Background:</strong> Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.</li> <li><strong>Backend & Data Expertise:</strong> 7+ years of professional experience building and scaling production systems, including APIs, data pipelines, and distributed services.</li> <li><strong>Programming Skills:</strong> Strong Python skills (FastAPI, Flask, Django), with solid experience in backend service development.</li> <li><strong>Databases:</strong> Proven experience with SQL, NoSQL, and vector databases; skilled in schema design, indexing, and query optimization.</li> <li><strong>Applied AI Systems:</strong> Hands-on experience integrating ML models or AI-driven workflows into production services.</li> <li><strong>Cloud & DevOps:</strong> Proficiency with AWS, Docker/Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code.</li> <li><strong>Communication & Problem-Solving:</strong> Ability to work cross-functionally with diverse teams and explain complex technical concepts to non-experts.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Bonus Points For</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Scientific & Data-Intensive Domains:</strong> Experience working with life sciences, materials sciences, or other research-heavy fields.</li> <li><strong>Startup Experience:</strong> Comfort with fast-paced, iterative environments where impact and adaptability matter.</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p><strong>Compensation</strong></p> <p>We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.</p> <p><strong>U.S. Benefits.</strong> Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program.</p> <p><strong>International Benefits.</strong> Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.</p></div><div class="title">Expected Base Salary Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$144,000</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$270,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>About LILA</strong></p> <p>Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We…