Frontier ML Infrastructure Research Engineer - DeepTech VC

Frontier ML Infrastructure Research Engineer (SF or NYC) - DeepTech VC

A leading DeepTech venture capital firm is seeking a resident expert in frontier machine learning and compute to join its research organization. The environment is built around high-slope learners who can move from unfamiliar territory to clear, defensible insight with speed. The firm values thoughtful thesis development, disciplined reasoning, and the ability to translate technical movements into strategic clarity. The ideal candidate combines intellectual rigor, strong communication skills, and long-term orientation.

This role sits at the intersection of advanced ML research, compute infrastructure, market insight, and strategic investing, supporting partners in navigating the evolving AI and compute landscape.

About the Role

This position requires someone who can understand the technical frontier and express why it matters commercially. The focus is on research, analysis, and strategic insight, not core production engineering. However, the ideal candidate should be someone who formidable with code, capable of spinning up experiments, prototyping ideas, and validating technical claims at a deep level.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the internal expert on ML systems and compute, including training stacks, inference economics, distributed systems, and hardware-software co-design.
• Conduct rapid technical investigations and produce tight, actionable briefs that separate signal from noise and inform investment decisions.
• Maintain connectivity to research labs, open-source communities, chip ecosystems, cloud providers, and the people shaping the next wave of ML and compute.
• Develop well-reasoned perspectives on how ML and infrastructure markets are evolving, and how a top-tier venture platform should position accordingly.
• Support partners in technical diligence, competitive analysis, and evaluating the commercial implications of scientific and engineering choices.
• Pursue optional deep-dive projects: open-source contributions, conference participation, and technical writing while maintaining alignment with strategic value.

Who You are:

• A high-EQ, high-IQ communicator who moves fluidly between deep technical work and commercial reasoning without losing substance in either direction.
• Deeply plugged into ML and compute, with genuine curiosity and the discipline to explore without vanishing down rabbit holes.
• On an upward trajectory, looking to develop original theses over a long time horizon.
• Technically sharp but not overly academic; comfortable connecting technology to economics, strategy, and market dynamics.

What This Role Offers

• The chance to become the organization's go-to expert on ML and compute.
• Direct influence on research direction, technical evaluations, and strategic decision frameworks.
• Freedom to explore, publish, and remain active in the research community.
• A high-trust environment that rewards clarity, curiosity, and strong judgment.
• A long-term growth path with enduring impact at the firm.