Senior 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 a Senior Python Engineer with deep expertise in AI-driven applications, passionate about applying cutting-edge techniques like Large Language Models (LLMs), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and advanced data processing pipelines to solve real-world problems in information processing.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building scalable backend systems and experimenting with the latest AI frameworks to turn research concepts into production-ready solutions. If you thrive at the intersection of engineering and applied AI, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of decision intelligence technology.

This position follows a hybrid work model and is based out of our Los Angeles HQ, with an on-site presence required 4 days/week.

Key Responsibilities:

• AI-Driven Application Development: Design and build intelligent applications that leverage LLMs (via LangChain, vector stores, embeddings) and CNNs for text, image, or multimodal data processing.
• Information Processing & Data Engineering: Develop efficient pipelines for extracting, structuring, and analyzing large, unstructured datasets; optimize transformations with Pandas, NumPy, and modern vector DBs.
• Scalable Backend Systems: Build robust APIs with FastAPI/Flask, integrate AI models into production, and create interactive prototypes with Streamlit.
• Cloud & DevOps: Containerize and deploy AI-enabled applications on AWS with Docker, ensuring scalability, resilience, and security.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with data scientists, AI researchers, and product leaders to translate business problems into AI-powered solutions.
• Continuous Innovation: Explore and integrate emerging ML architectures and frameworks (transformers, CNNs, diffusion models, retrieval-augmented generation) to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
  
  

Your Success Metrics:

• Deliver AI-first features that significantly improve information extraction, summarization, and decision-making workflows.
• Achieve smooth integration of LLMs and CNNs into production-ready pipelines.
• Ensure high performance and reliability of cloud-deployed applications.
• Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, code quality, and innovation.
  
  

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.
• AI/ML Frameworks: Strong background in AI/ML frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow, LangChain, Hugging Face, OpenAI APIs)
• Deep Learning & AI Architectures: Experience building with LLMs, embeddings, RAG, CNNs, or related deep learning architectures.
• Data Engineering & Analytics: Skilled in SQLAlchemy + PostgreSQL/MySQL and data wrangling with Pandas/Numpy.
• Vector Database Expertise: Strong knowledge of vector databases such as Pinecone, FAISS, Weaviate, etc.
• Applied AI Problem-Solving: Passion for solving real-world problems with AI.
• 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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Equal Opportunity:

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.

Compensation Range: $150K - $180K