Job Overview
Location
Indiana, USA
Job Type
Full-time
Category
Machine Learning Engineer
Date Posted
February 22, 2026
Full Job Description
đź“‹ Description
- • Join Fastino AI as an ML Engineer specializing in Small Language Models (SLMs) and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of efficient and specialized Artificial Intelligence. You will be instrumental in designing, building, and deploying the core SLMs that form the bedrock of Fastino's innovative products. This is a unique opportunity to own the entire lifecycle of state-of-the-art models, from initial conception and rigorous data analysis to seamless deployment, vigilant monitoring, and the continuous refinement of models in production environments. Our team is comprised of distinguished alumni from top-tier institutions and tech giants like Google Research, Apple, Stanford, and Cambridge, united by a mission to advance the field of AI.
- • As a key member of our engineering team, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge language models. Your responsibilities will span the entire model development pipeline. This includes prototyping new model architectures, conducting in-depth data analysis to identify performance bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement, and developing robust deployment strategies. You will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective monitoring systems to ensure the ongoing health and performance of our deployed models, and driving initiatives for their continuous enhancement.
- • A significant aspect of your role will involve driving our data strategy. This means meticulously analyzing data distributions to pinpoint gaps, contributing to the development and refinement of synthetic data generation pipelines, and creating automated systems for data annotation. Your insights and efforts will directly impact the performance and capabilities of our SLMs, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of AI technology.
- • You will have the opportunity to experiment with novel language model architectures, contributing significantly to Fastino's research roadmap. This includes exploring and implementing advanced techniques such as reinforcement learning, specifically focusing on methods like Direct Preference Optimization (DPO) and Generalized Reward Preference Optimization (GRPO). These techniques are crucial for aligning model outputs with human preferences and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
- • Building and maintaining robust, real-world motivated evaluations for our models will be a critical part of your contribution. You will collaborate closely with the broader Fastino engineering team to ensure that model updates are seamlessly integrated and delivered directly to our customers, providing them with the latest advancements and improvements.
- • Furthermore, you will play a vital role in establishing and upholding best practices for code health, documentation, and collaborative development within the team. This commitment to quality and maintainability will facilitate seamless collaboration, ensure the reliability of our development processes, and foster a culture of engineering excellence.
- • Fastino AI is not just another AI company; we are pioneers in creating specialized, efficient AI solutions. Our open-source GLiNER family of models has achieved remarkable adoption, with over 5 million downloads and usage by industry leaders like NVIDIA, Meta, and Airbnb. Having secured $25 million in seed funding from prominent investors including Microsoft, Khosla Ventures, Insight Partners, and key tech executives, we are poised for significant growth and impact. This is your chance to join a well-funded, highly respected team and make a tangible difference in the AI landscape.
- • This role offers a unique blend of research-driven innovation and practical engineering execution. You will be empowered to explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and translate research breakthroughs into production-ready solutions. The fast-paced environment at Fastino encourages continuous learning and professional growth, providing ample opportunities to expand your expertise in the rapidly evolving field of small language models.
- • Your work will directly contribute to the development of AI that is not only powerful but also efficient and accessible, democratizing advanced AI capabilities for a wider range of applications and industries. You will be part of a team that values intellectual curiosity, technical rigor, and a collaborative spirit, all working towards a shared vision of building the next generation of LLMs.
🎯 Requirements
- • Advanced degree (Masters or PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related technical field, with a strong emphasis on deep learning methodologies.
- • Proven track record of independent research in academic or industry settings, demonstrating the ability to conceptualize, execute, and publish novel work in AI/ML.
- • Substantial industry experience (3+ years) in large-scale deep learning model training, with demonstrated expertise in at least one of Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision-Language Models (VLMs), Diffusion Models, or comparable generative AI architectures.
- • Comprehensive technical proficiency and hands-on experience with leading deep learning frameworks, including advanced competency in PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow for model development, training, and optimization.
- • Experience with reinforcement learning techniques, particularly Direct Preference Optimization (DPO) or similar alignment methods, is highly desirable.
- • Strong understanding of data pipelines, synthetic data generation, and automated annotation systems for improving model performance.
🏖️ Benefits
- • Competitive salary and equity package commensurate with experience and contribution.
- • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- • Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
- • Opportunity to work remotely or in a hybrid model, offering flexibility.
- • Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and learning resources.
- • Be part of a highly innovative and well-funded startup with a strong vision and a world-class team.
Skills & Technologies
Docker
GitHub
TensorFlow
PyTorch
Data Science
Remote
Degree Required
About Fastino AI Inc.
Fastino AI is a technology company focused on developing advanced artificial intelligence solutions. Their core business revolves around creating and deploying AI-powered tools and platforms designed to automate complex processes and enhance decision-making across various industries. They specialize in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, aiming to provide businesses with innovative ways to leverage data and improve operational efficiency. Fastino AI's offerings cater to clients seeking to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into their existing workflows, driving digital transformation and competitive advantage.
