AI Engineer

Zed is a next-generation code editor that's engineered from scratch in Rust to be fast, elegant, and collaborative. As we extend Zed with AI capabilities, we're looking for engineers with a strong AI background to form a new AI Foundations team.

Your role will be to optimize Zed's interaction with language models through rapid prototyping and rigorous evaluation. Using Python or another lightweight scripting language, you'll explore the frontier of model capabilities and validate approaches before we sink time into implementing production-grade features. You'll collaborate with the whole Zed team to envision new AI capabilities, then take ownership over the prompts, fine-tuning, and dataflow while Rust engineers focus on editor integration.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine your AI expertise with a team that excels at crafting world-class user interfaces for code. At Zed, if you can envision an AI-powered coding interface, our team can bring it to life. Your innovations will push the boundaries of what's possible in code editing, transforming how developers interact with AI in their daily work.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement AI systems that interface with large language models

• Develop and refine prompts for effective model interactions

• Fine-tune models for coding-specific tasks

• Create robust evaluation frameworks to ensure the reliability of AI features

• Prototype AI-powered capabilities using Python and relevant AI frameworks

• Collaborate with the Rust team to translate prototypes into production features

• Stay current with AI research and identify new opportunities for application

• Lead the strategic vision for AI integration in Zed

• Participate in regular pair programming sessions, collaborate with teammates, and engage in code reviews

Requirements

• Strong background in machine learning and natural language processing

• Extensive experience working with large language models, including prompt engineering and fine-tuning

• Proficiency in Python and AI/ML frameworks

• Experience developing AI agents and working with agentic control flow frameworks

• Ability to design and implement reliable, production-grade AI systems using rigorous, repeatable processes

• Track record of deploying AI in production environments

• Ability to self-direct and lead strategic vision for AI initiatives

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams

• Passion for developer tools and improving the coding experience

• Willingness to pick up Rust, as needed

• Enthusiasm for pair programming and real-time collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with code analysis or generation using AI

• Background in developer tools

• Familiarity with the Rust

Location: Remote (American or European time zones) or Boulder, Colorado