The role in short

Build the AI tools our clients run on.

Building and implementing AI is our main work, and this is the role that does it. If you're doing this job well:

LLM integrations work reliably inside the software and data our clients already use.
Automations take repetitive work off a team's plate, and keep running after launch.
Internal tools and agents do one job well, and the people using them understand them.
Client builds go from a rough idea to a working tool, tested with the team before it goes live.

You'll work directly with the founder on client builds. Part-time or full-time is your choice, and we'd like you to start as soon as possible.

Degree or experience

You need one of two things: a degree in computer science or a related field, or provable experience building AI or software, like shipped projects, a GitHub profile, or a portfolio. Either way, we'll ask for a link to work we can look at.

Just starting out?

If you don't have a degree or projects to show yet, look at AI Engineer I, our entry-level role where you learn on real client builds.

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.

Most client projects mix all four. You'll often start with a quick prototype, then turn it into something a business can rely on.

LLM integrations

Connect large language models to the software and data our clients already use.
Test outputs carefully so the results are accurate enough for real work.

Automations

Build automated workflows that take repetitive work off a team's plate.
Keep them running after launch, and improve them as needs change.

Internal tools and agents

Build internal tools and AI agents for specific jobs inside a client's business.
Make them simple enough that the people using them every day understand them.

Client builds with the founder

Work with the founder to scope, build, test, and launch client projects.
Help explain what we built, in plain language, to the people who'll use it.

What we're looking for

Is this you?

Must-have

A degree in computer science or a related field, or provable experience building AI or software.
A GitHub, portfolio, or project link that shows what you've built.
Reliable follow-through: you finish what you start, and say so early when you're stuck.
Able to work on-site in Irvine (remote possible at lower pay), and authorized to work in the US.

Nice to have

Projects that use large language models, AI agents, or automation.
Experience building something other people actually use.
Interest in how businesses run, and in explaining technical work clearly.

The details

Logistics.

Pay: $25–$50 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: A CS or related degree, or provable experience building AI or software.
Work with: The founder, directly, on client builds.
Entry level: No degree or projects yet? See AI Engineer I.

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