Lead AI Engineer (Robotics Automation)

• Stage: Early-stage startup
• Product: Robotics automation platform

About the role

We are looking for a Lead AI Engineer with a strong AI/ML background to join the founding technical team of a startup building a cutting-edge automation platform using robotics technologies. You will work closely with the CTO & Co-founder, owning the AI/ML core of the product.

This is a highly hands-on role, not a corporate position. In the early days, you will be one of the primary builders - developing and fine-tuning models, building computer vision pipelines, and integrating AI capabilities into a functional, scalable product. You will play a key role in shaping the AI/ML technical direction as the company scales.

Your mission is to bring cutting-edge AI/ML capabilities into a commercially viable robotics product, working within a high-performing engineering culture from day one.

Your responsibilities

• Owning the AI/ML core of the product, working closely with the CTO & Co-founder to align it with the overall technical strategy,
• Hands-on development & prototyping: Building the AI/ML components of the MVP (managing the end-to-end AI/ML model lifecycle, from architecture design to training and fine-tuning and - where relevant - hardware control interfaces),
• Proposing and helping define the AI/ML stack and model architecture,
• Monitoring AI, computer vision, and robotics trends to maintain a competitive technological edge,
• Working closely with the CTO and, as the team grows, mentoring engineers joining the AI/ML function,
• Translating customer feedback and market needs into robust AI/ML technical requirements,
• Contributing to an internal culture focused on code quality, ownership, rapid iteration, and high execution standards.

Who we are looking for (must-have)

• At least 3+ years of hands-on experience across the full AI/ML development pipeline, including data collection and processing, architecture design, training, and fine-tuning. Experience with Computer Vision is a strong plus,
• Strong software engineering background with proven experience in building and shipping AI/ML components in real products,
• Entrepreneurial mindset – you understand that pragmatic execution and shipping fast beat perfect, over-engineered code in an early-stage setup,
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a knack for operating effectively in fast-paced, high-uncertainty environments,
• Fluent Polish and English (spoken and written).

Nice to have

• Experience with hardware control/integration of AI models with physical systems (robotics, embedded systems, IoT),
• Experience with robotics technologies (ROS/ROS2, simulation environments, control systems),
• Experience in robotics automation platforms, cloud-edge architecture, or industrial automation,
• Background in deep-tech, robotics, or engineering-driven startups,
• Hands-on experience in computer vision,
• Prior leadership experience (Lead Engineer, Tech Lead) is a plus, though not required.

What we offer

• Key technical role in the founding team of a robotics startup, with real influence over the AI/ML direction of the product,
• Opportunity to build the AI/ML core of a robotics startup from scratch,
• Remuneration: at least PLN 18 000 net B2B + VAT,
• Equity/incentive package as the company and role grow,
• Support from an experienced startup studio and capital group,
• Access to industry experts and startup-building know-how,
• Fast decision-making and a high-impact environment.

Red Sky is conducting this recruitment process. The cooperation concerns a newly established start-up.

Recruitment process

• Interview with HR (~45 min)
• Tech Interview (~ 60 min.)
• Interview with the CEO (~30 min)
• Interview with the Investor (~45 min)
• Workshops (technical & product alignment)
• Agreeing on the terms of cooperation (remuneration )