AI Engineering Practice Lead

Blank Metal is an AI-native engineering company that partners with enterprises to deliver production AI fast. Our approach combines strategic thinking with rapid implementation, ensuring AI initiatives deliver measurable business value.

We’re growing and adding an AI Engineering Practice Lead to our Minneapolis team. In this role, you’ll own Blank Metal’s AI-enabled application and machine-learning capabilities end-to-end. You’ll architect user-facing products powered by AI services (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, open-source LLMs), mature our ML platform, and scale best practices across engineering disciplines. In the near term, you’ll also lend hands‑on leadership to our emerging Full‑Stack Development and MLOps practices—bridging architecture, code standards, and deployment workflows until dedicated leads are in place.

You’ll join a seasoned professional services team known for high‑touch, high‑quality work that drives real impact. Our culture thrives on open dialogue, collaborative problem‑solving, and a healthy dose of laughter. We value your voice, your ideas, and your entrepreneurial spirit—come help us evolve our services and shape our journey.

Our office is based in Minneapolis and we offer a hybrid working model. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Lead hands‑on delivery of AI-powered applications (≈50%) and predictive models; drive ML engineering and research efforts (≈30%) to mature our platform and tooling
• Provide technical leadership and evangelism (≈20%) across engineering practices and client engagements
• Own Blank Metal’s AI capabilities across architecture, development, and deployment
• Define and evolve technology roadmap, coding standards, and responsible‑AI governance
• Act as interim architectural lead for Full‑Stack and MLOps practices
• Scale engineering best practices and mentor cross‑functional teams
• Ensure production‑grade delivery that meets performance, privacy, and compliance standards
• Evangelize AI capabilities internally and externally

• Prototype and ship AI‑powered features using Python, Type Script, Java, and AI frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensor Flow, Lang Chain, DJL); package models/agents behind service interfaces (REST, gRPC, Graph
  
  QL)
• Build reusable data/feature pipelines on cloud‑native platforms (Big Query, Snowflake, Delta Lake)
• Instrument performance with dashboards, A/B tests, and drift alerts
• Lead architecture and code reviews across backend, data, and ML stacks
• Champion CI/CD, MLOps, and Dev Ops workflows using IaC tools (Terraform, Git Hub Actions, Cloud Build)
• Recruit, coach, and level up engineers across domains
• Foster a culture of rapid experimentation and human‑centered design
• Translate product goals into end‑to‑end AI system designs
• Partner with Full‑Stack and MLOps teams to integrate and deploy model APIs
• Present and promote AI roadmap to clients and internal stakeholders

• 8+ years building production software and AI systems using Python, Java, Go, or similar; 2+ years leading engineers or cross‑functional delivery teams
• Proven success shipping AI solutions with measurable impact

• Build Production AI That Matters: We ship real solutions - not endless pilots. Every milestone unlocks value, and our incentives are tied to client success.
• Craft Meets Velocity: We obsess over engineering quality while moving at the speed of AI. You’ll shape best practices, pair‑program, and lead with impact.
• Outcome‑Driven Model: Fixed‑price, KPI‑linked deals. Shared upside when we exceed targets. Focus stays glued to results - not hours.
• AI‑Native DNA: Our founding team has shipped category‑defining products for 15+ years - including AI long before the hype.
• Backed to Build: Fueled by a $3M seed round from Rally Ventures, Traction Capital, and Pure Play Partners.
• Culture That Clicks: Open conversations, shared ownership, and a healthy dose of laughter. Bring your voice and entrepreneurial spirit.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome our employee’s differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Difference makes us better. Join us.