
R&D Software Engineer
webAI · Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area
- On site
- Full-time
- $120,000 / year
- Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

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Fully remote work, hiring this week. Mercor's average is $124/hr.
Job highlights
- Develop AI prototypes from research concepts.
- Translate ML research into practical implementations.
- Collaborate with research and product teams.
- Required: Python, C/C++, AI technologies.
- Ideal for ambitious, hands-on engineers.
About the role
About Us:
webAI is pioneering the future of artificial intelligence by establishing the first distributed AI infrastructure dedicated to personalized AI. We recognize the evolving demands of a data-driven society for scalability and flexibility, and we firmly believe that the future of AI lies in distributed processing at the edge, bringing computation closer to the source of data generation. Our mission is to build a future where a company's valuable data and intellectual property remain entirely private, enabling the deployment of large-scale AI models directly on standard consumer hardware without compromising the information embedded within those models. We are developing an end-to-end platform that is secure, scalable, and fully under the control of our users, empowering enterprises with AI that understands their unique business. We are a team driven by truth, ownership, tenacity, and humility, and we seek individuals who resonate with these core values and are passionate about shaping the next generation of AI.
About the Role:
As an R&D Software Engineer, you will be at the forefront of innovation at webAI. Rapidly turning cutting-edge research and conceptual ideas into functional prototypes. This role is ideal for a highly technical and creative engineer who thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced environments. You’ll work closely with research scientists, engineers, and product stakeholders to bring theoretical advancements in AI to life through proof-of-concept builds and feasibility studies. Your work will directly influence future product directions and technical strategies across our platform.
Key Responsibilities:
- Rapidly design, build, and test software and AI prototypes for emerging technologies and product ideas.
- Translate theoretical AI and ML research into practical, testable implementations.
- Create proof-of-concept demos to validate feasibility and communicate value to internal stakeholders.
- Conduct feasibility studies, benchmarking, and performance evaluations of new approaches.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with research, engineering, and product teams to align prototypes with strategic goals.
- Iterate and refine prototypes based on feedback, testing, and evolving technical requirements.
- Document design processes, experimental results, and technical insights for internal knowledge sharing.
- Stay current on emerging technologies and methodologies in AI, software engineering, and distributed systems.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in prototype development, ideally in an R&D or high-growth tech environment.
- Strong foundation in engineering principles, machine learning, and applied mathematics.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C/C++.
- Experience working with AI technologies such as computer vision models, LLMs, or language processing.
- Demonstrated ability to build and iterate on technical prototypes quickly and independently.
- Clear communication skills and ability to present technical ideas to varied audiences.
- Proven success working in cross-functional teams and navigating technical ambiguity.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior work in startup or fast-paced R&D environments.
- Experience with distributed AI systems or edge computing.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation.
- Technical publications or patents related to AI or software development.
Our Values:
We at webAI are committed to living out the core values we have put in place as the foundation on which we operate as a team. We seek individuals who exemplify the following:
- Truth - Emphasizing transparency and honesty in every interaction and decision.
- Ownership - Taking full responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, demonstrating commitment to the success of our clients.
- Tenacity - Persisting in the face of challenges and setbacks, continually striving for excellence and improvement.
- Humility - Maintaining a respectful and learning-oriented mindset, acknowledging the strengths and contributions of others.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package
- 401(k) match (U.S.-based employees only)
- $200/month Health & Wellness stipend
- Continuing Education support
- $500/year Function Health subscription (U.S.-based employees only)
- Free parking for in-office employees
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Parental leave for eligible employees
- Supplemental life insurance
Equal Opportunity Employer:
webAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline. In addition, it is the policy of webAI to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances where a particular employee works.
Key skills/competency:
- R&D Software Engineer
- Prototype Development
- AI/ML Research
- Python
- C/C++
- Computer Vision
- LLMs
- Distributed Systems
- Edge Computing
- Technical Prototyping
Skills & topics
- R&D Software Engineer
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Prototype Developer
- Python
- C++
- AI
- Machine Learning
- Distributed Systems
- Edge Computing
- Computer Vision
- LLMs
- Research and Development
- Software Development
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in R&D, prototype development, and AI/ML. Quantify achievements.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize proficiency in Python, C/C++, and AI technologies like LLMs.
- Demonstrate impact: Provide examples of turning research into functional prototypes and feasibility studies.
- Align with values: Express understanding and resonance with webAI's core values: Truth, Ownership, Tenacity, Humility.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss AI concepts, engineering principles, and your prototyping experience.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are webAI's core values for R&D Software Engineers?
- webAI's core values are Truth, Ownership, Tenacity, and Humility. They seek individuals who embody transparency, take full responsibility, persist through challenges, and maintain a learning-oriented mindset.
- What programming languages are essential for the R&D Software Engineer role at webAI?
- Proficiency in Python and C/C++ is required for the R&D Software Engineer position at webAI. Experience with these languages is crucial for developing AI prototypes and implementations.
- Does webAI prefer candidates with advanced degrees for the R&D Software Engineer position?
- While a Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field is required, webAI prefers candidates with a Master's or PhD for the R&D Software Engineer role, indicating a strong inclination towards advanced academic backgrounds in research.
- What kind of AI technologies will an R&D Software Engineer at webAI work with?
- An R&D Software Engineer at webAI will work with various AI technologies, including computer vision models, Large Language Models (LLMs), and language processing. Experience in these areas is highly valued.
- What is webAI's approach to AI development, and how does it impact the R&D Software Engineer role?
- webAI is building a distributed AI infrastructure for personalized AI, focusing on edge computing. As an R&D Software Engineer, you'll prototype and test these emerging technologies, influencing future product directions in this innovative, decentralized AI space.
- How important is experience with distributed systems or edge computing for this role?
- Experience with distributed AI systems or edge computing is considered a preferred qualification for the R&D Software Engineer role at webAI. It aligns with their mission to build a distributed AI infrastructure.
- What is the expected experience level for the R&D Software Engineer at webAI?
- The R&D Software Engineer role requires at least 5 years of experience in prototype development, preferably within an R&D or high-growth tech environment. A Master's or PhD is preferred, alongside this experience.
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