
Research Engineer - Model Architectures at Zyphra (San Francisco, CA)
Zyphra· San Francisco, CA·
Role details
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full-Time
Job description
ZYPHRA IS AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COMPANY BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.
THE ROLE
As a Research Engineer - Model Architectures, you will be a core contributor to Zyphra’s AI Architecture Research Team. This will involve designing and rigorously testing novel model architectures and training methodologies, with a focus on improving core modeling capabilities (e.g., loss per flop or loss per parameter) and addressing fundamental bottlenecks in contemporary models. You will also work extremely closely with our pre-training team, who will integrate your insights into our next-generation models.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR / REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong research taste and intuition
- The ability to work through a research project from conception to execution to write-up
- Strong implementation and prototyping ability can take an idea from conception to experimentation extremely quickly
- The ability to work well and cooperate with others in a high-paced research setting
- Curiosity, interest, and joy in understanding intelligence.
QUALIFICATIONS / ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Previous experience with long-term memory, RAG/retrieval systems, dynamic/adaptive computation, and alternative approaches to credit assignment
- Experience with reinforcement learning, control theory, and signal processing
- Generally, a joy in inventing and seriously assessing ‘crazy’ ideas, and the ability to have a unique perspective on things
- Understanding of modern training pipelines and the hardware requirements to design efficient architectures for GPU hardware
- Strong grasp of proper experimental methodology for running rigorous ablations and other hypothesis testing
- High proficiency with PyTorch and Python.
- Strong ability to jump into large pre-existing codebases and rapidly get up to speed and become productive
- Previously published machine learning research in well-respected venues
- Postgraduate degree in a scientific subject (Computer Science, EE/EECS, Math, Physics)
WHY WORK AT ZYPHRA
- Our research methodology is to make grounded, methodical steps toward ambitious goals. Both deep research and engineering excellence are equally valued
- We strongly value new and crazy ideas and are very willing to bet big on new ideas
- We move as quickly as we can; we aim to minimize the bar to impact as low as possible
- We all enjoy what we do and love discussing AI
BENEFITS AND PERKS
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA plans
- Competitive compensation and 401(k) plan
- Relocation and immigration support on a case-by-case basis
- In-office snacks and meals provided
- Unlimited PTO and company holidays
- In-person team in San Francisco with a collaborative, high-energy environment
Why work at Zyphra
- Culture of open research: Employees contribute to novel model architectures that are publicly released, offering a rare blend of academic freedom and product impact.
- Heavy engineering focus: 57% of the team is in technical roles, with a flat structure (62% specialist-level roles).
- Locations: San Francisco (HQ) and London, with potential for remote-friendly roles (not explicitly stated).
- Notable perks: Not detailed publicly, but typical for a well-funded Series A startup (equity, benefits, etc.).
- Growth trajectory: 150%+ headcount growth signals rapid scaling and career advancement opportunities.