Applied AI Engineer

About This Opportunity

Automattic is seeking exceptional AI engineers who have experience shipping breakthrough products used by millions. This role involves building user-loved features rather than just integrating APIs. You will work within Automattic’s diverse ecosystem, which includes WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Tumblr, Beeper, and Mesh (formerly Clay). This position offers the flexibility of remote work or in-person collaboration with the AI team in NYC, leveraging Automattic's 20 years of experience in asynchronous, transparent, and impact-focused work.

This is an opportunity to solve fascinating problems at scale with the support of a profitable, mission-driven company. You will embed with Other Bets teams, help existing products utilize AI, or explore new opportunities, with the resources and reach to build products that impact millions.

Why This Role Matters

You will play a pivotal role in shaping how AI transforms products used by hundreds of millions globally, from enhancing creators' storytelling to empowering merchants to compete effectively. You will tackle intriguing challenges across the entire ecosystem, backed by a stable, mission-driven organization.

Whether you work in-person in NYC or are distributed globally, you will have the autonomy to focus on high-impact work, free from the typical pressures of startups (fundraising, runway anxiety) or large tech companies (bureaucracy, slow decision-making).

What You’ll Do

• Ship user-facing AI features across Automattic’s product ecosystem, covering areas like site building tools, e-commerce recommendations, and messaging experiences.
• Rapidly build and iterate on AI-powered products that directly impact millions of users.
• Collaborate with PMs, designers, and engineers (in-person in NYC or distributed globally) in a fast-paced, innovation-focused environment.
• Experiment with and scale successful AI innovations from prototype to production across multiple products.
• Embed with teams working on products such as WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Mesh, Beeper, and Pocket Casts.
• Stay updated with AI developments that can unlock new user experiences.

You’ll Thrive Here If You

• Have practical experience shipping AI features that users actually engage with, valuing production experience over theoretical knowledge.
• Are exceptionally talented and are someone other great engineers aspire to work with.
• Possess strong full-stack capabilities OR deep expertise in your specific domain. Both breadth and depth are valued.
• Can move quickly without compromising stability, prototyping rapidly while designing for scale.
• Adopt a product-first mindset, understanding that effective AI seamlessly enhances user experience.
• Work effectively in distributed teams or enjoy in-person collaboration if based in NYC.
• Are motivated by working alongside other exceptional individuals, rather than solely seeking comfortable work environments.

Technical Experience We Value

• Production experience with LLMs (APIs or custom implementations) at significant scale.
• Strong full-stack development skills, primarily using PHP, TypeScript, and React.
• Experience building AI-powered user interfaces that perform well at scale.
• Solid understanding of machine learning fundamentals and staying current with rapid field developments.
• A track record of technical leadership or influence within high-performing teams.

Bonus Points

• Developed consumer AI products that have scaled to a significant user base.
• Experience with WordPress, e-commerce, or messaging platforms.
• Contributions to open source projects demonstrating your technical thinking.
• Previous startup experience as a founder or early engineer.
• Based in NYC or willing to relocate (strong preference, but not required).