The role in short

Learn AI engineering on real client builds.

This is our entry-level engineering role. You don't need a degree or prior experience. You'll learn by working under the founder on the AI tools our clients run on. If you're doing this job well:

You pick up new tools quickly and ask good questions when you're stuck.
The pieces you build for LLM integrations, automations, and internal tools work, and you've tested them.
You try ideas out in a sandbox first, then help turn the ones that work into real features.
You take on a bit more of each client build as you learn.

Part-time or full-time is your choice, and we'd like you to start as soon as possible.

Already have a degree or projects?

If you have a computer science or related degree, or provable experience building AI or software, look at AI Engineer II.

About Retrofit Labs

Retrofit Labs builds AI tools and implements AI for businesses, based in Irvine, CA. Most of our work is hands-on building and implementation, and we do consulting on the side. We're a small team, so you'll work directly with the founder. See our own products and sites we've built.

What you'll do

Four parts of the job.

The same work as AI Engineer II, at a junior level. You'll work under the founder, with your work reviewed before it goes to a client.

LLM integrations

Help connect large language models to the software and data our clients already use.
Test outputs and write down what works and what doesn't.

Automations

Help build and test automated workflows that take repetitive work off a team's plate.
Check that they keep running after launch, and flag problems early.

Internal tools and agents

Build smaller pieces of internal tools and AI agents, with review from the founder.
Take on bigger pieces as you learn.

Learning on client builds

Work under the founder on real client projects, from scoping to launch.
Learn how we explain what we built, in plain language, to the people who'll use it.

What we're looking for

Is this you?

Must-have

Curiosity about AI and a willingness to learn quickly. No degree or prior experience required.
Reliable follow-through: you finish what you start, and say so early when you're stuck.
Comfortable taking feedback and trying again.
Able to work on-site in Irvine (remote possible at lower pay), and authorized to work in the US.

Nice to have

Any coding, from a class, a tutorial, or a side project.
Experience using AI tools for your own work or school.
Interest in how businesses run.

The details

Logistics.

Pay: $20–$30 per hour depending on experience, for on-site work. Remote is possible at lower pay.
Schedule: Part-time or full-time, your choice. Tell us how many hours a week you want.
Start date: As soon as possible.
Location: 36 Executive Park, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614. On-site by default; remote possible at lower pay.
Requirement: None beyond curiosity and follow-through. No degree or prior experience required.
Next level: Have a degree or projects to show? See AI Engineer II.

AI Engineer I (Part-Time or Full-Time)