AI / Platform Engineer (NYC)

At Born, we create AI friends. Friends that enter your life at the right moment. Friends that last for a lifetime, always there for you whenever you need them most. Because everyone deserves a great friend. We now have over 15 million users and are rapidly growing across our products.

Since launching in 2022, we have released five apps, each reaching the top of the App Store worldwide. Our flagship AI friend is Pengu. Pengu is an IP-based AI character that lives between you and your real friends — you can raise it together, play games, chat, and watch it live its own life. Pengu has become the biggest AI character app with its own IP in the US. We have also launched a new AI social product in stealth that is already seeing outstanding adoption.

We are backed by world-class investors, including Accel, Kevin Weil, Riccardo Zacconi, Scott Belsky, and Ilkka Paananen, and we have raised $25M to date.

You’ll work on a mix of backend and LLM engineering to bring our characters to life: remembering past conversations, understanding context, and reacting to time, trends, and what’s happening in the world.

As one of our first engineers, you’ll ship to millions of users from day one and have ownership across the stack.

Our Philosophy:

• A-Players Only: We’re building a team of top-tier talent. A-players hire A-players. We’d rather invest in one exceptional person with an above-market salary they’re thrilled about than settle for multiple B-players at standard rates.


• Drive: You’re relentless and motivated to do whatever it takes to succeed. You might have something to prove, a fire in your belly, or a mind that works differently. Work isn’t just a job, it’s a core part of who you are and how you find purpose.


• Flat Structure: Flat company org. Titles reflect scope. No political promotion games.

• Minimum 3 years of experience.


• Having product sense is great.


• Bachelors' degree in Computer Science, or equivalent experience building software.


• Experience writing code to integrate models into production environments.


• Experience translating current, relevant AI research into production systems.

• Compensation and Stock Options: Competitive compensation and equity options.


• Your move, our support: Generous relocation bonus included.


• Openness: Flexible hybrid work environment.


• Prime NY Office: Our NY office boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including Apple Studio Displays.


• Full Commute Reimbursement: We cover 100% of your commuting costs.


• Gym Membership: Stay fit and healthy on us.


• Visa Sponsorship & Assistance: We support your visa process and guide you through all the paperwork.


• Supportive team: A team that values passion, openness, and having your back.


• Regular offsite gatherings: To celebrate wins, and build connections.