AI Developer

📋 Description

• • Katapult Labs, Inc. is seeking an exceptionally talented and driven Experimental AI Developer to join our innovative team. This is not a typical corporate role; we are looking for a true 'maker' with an entrepreneurial spirit, someone who thrives on building and experimenting at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence. If you are an AI-obsessed individual who is eager to transform visionary ideas into functional prototypes at an accelerated pace, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
• • As an Experimental AI Developer, you will be the cornerstone of our innovation strike team. Your primary mission will be to collaborate directly with the CEO, translating their strategic product visions into tangible, high-speed prototypes within rapid 2-3 day development cycles. You will be instrumental in exploring the boundaries of what's possible, rapidly developing mockups, and rigorously proving concepts.
• • This role demands a proactive and hands-on approach. You won't be waiting for detailed specifications or Jira tickets. Instead, you will be actively identifying opportunities, experimenting with new AI technologies, and demonstrating the feasibility of groundbreaking features. Your ability to quickly iterate, learn, and adapt is paramount. The ideal candidate possesses a portfolio showcasing diverse AI projects, demonstrating a passion for building and a proven track record of bringing ideas to life.
• • Your responsibilities will encompass the full lifecycle of experimental AI development. This includes designing, developing, and rigorously testing AI experiments within intense 48-72 hour sprints. You will act as a strategic partner to the CEO, working collaboratively to materialize product visions into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that can be rapidly evaluated.
• • A key aspect of this role involves integrating cutting-edge Large Language Models (LLMs) such as Claude, Kimi, and Gemini. You will be responsible for connecting these advanced models with databases to create experimental features, for instance, enabling an LLM to query and analyze live data in real-time. This requires a deep understanding of AI capabilities and how to leverage them for practical applications.
• • The 'Build & Hand-over' phase is critical. You will create the 'MVP of the MVP' – a functional proof-of-concept that demonstrates the core value proposition. Once a concept is proven and validated, you will meticulously document the underlying logic and implementation details. This documentation will be essential for the Backend team, enabling them to seamlessly integrate and scale the feature into the core product.
• • Continuous iteration and learning are embedded in our culture. You will maintain a consistent weekly flow of experiments, swiftly identifying and discarding approaches that do not yield the desired results, while simultaneously doubling down on promising avenues. This agile methodology ensures that we remain at the forefront of AI innovation and deliver impactful solutions.
• • To excel in this role, you must possess strong full-stack capabilities, enabling you to build a functional experiment from a basic frontend interface all the way through to API integrations and database connections. Your ability to work across the entire stack is crucial for rapid prototyping.
• • We are looking for individuals who prioritize speed and functionality over absolute perfection in the initial stages. You must be comfortable and effective in delivering working solutions under tight, 3-day deadlines. This requires a pragmatic approach to development and a focus on achieving tangible outcomes quickly.
• • A startup mindset is essential. You should thrive in environments characterized by ambiguity, frequent shifts in priorities, and a culture that embraces rapid iteration and learning from mistakes – the 'move fast and break things' philosophy.
• • Furthermore, you should be tech-agnostic, demonstrating an insatiable curiosity for exploring and adopting new libraries, frameworks, and AI models as soon as they become available. Your passion for staying current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape will be a significant asset.
• • This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI development, working with a dynamic team and contributing directly to the success of innovative startups and businesses. If you are a builder, an experimenter, and an AI enthusiast, we encourage you to apply and help us shape the future of product engineering.