What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Software Engineer (AI/ML) position at fronterahealth?
Frontera is reimagining how children with autism and other behavioral health needs get the care they deserve. We bring together world-class clinicians, technologists, and autism specialists to build cutting-edge AI tools that help care teams work smarter and spend more time with the children and families who need them most.
Our platform is HIPAA-compliant and designed for the real-world needs of behavioral health teams - from psychologists to ABA therapists. By combining evidence-based care with powerful technology, we’re expanding access to high-quality services for families everywhere.
Our Mission
Frontera exists to close the care gap: every child, no matter where they live, should be able to access effective behavioral healthcare.
The Role
We are looking for a highly skilled and versatile Senior Software Engineer (AI/ML) to join our team and play a key role in architecting, developing, and scaling backend systems that power ML- and AI-driven products. You will lead the development of core systems, including our chatbot and other ML-powered products, while collaborating closely with clinicians, product managers, and engineers to solve complex real-world problems in pediatric behavioral healthcare.
This is a production-focused role. We are looking for someone who enjoys building, owning, and operating production systems that leverage ML, rather than focusing exclusively on model experimentation or academic research.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of production-grade backend systems that incorporate ML/AI capabilities, including chatbots, workflows, and supporting infrastructure.
- Own ML-enabled services end-to-end, from API and data design through deployment, monitoring, and iteration in production.
- Focus on building reliable, scalable systems in production, balancing model development with system design, integration, and ongoing operations.
- Collaborate with ML researchers, product managers, and subject matter experts to translate prototypes into production-ready solutions.
- Build, maintain, and optimize scalable data pipelines, model training frameworks, and workflow orchestration systems (e.g., Temporal, Airflow, Vellum).
- Contribute to API/schema design, backend development (Python/Django), and web programming as needed.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems across distributed systems and ML pipelines.
- Mentor junior engineers and help define best practices for engineering and ML operations within the team.
- Adapt to evolving project requirements in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment.
Qualifications
- 6 years of experience in software engineering, with strong backend and web development experience.
- Demonstrated experience shipping and operating ML-enabled systems in production (not purely research or experimental work).
- Proven expertise in Python, web frameworks (e.g., Django), GraphQL, workflow orchestration tools (e.g., Temporal, Airflow), and API/schema design.
- Hands-on experience with ML pipelines, model training frameworks, and cloud infrastructure.
- Experience working cross-functionally with product, engineering, and domain experts.
- Strong debugging skills and ability to tackle hard technical problems.
- Early-stage startup experience preferred, with flexibility, scrappiness, and willingness to pivot.
- Excellent communication, mentoring, and collaboration skills.
- Experience with LLMs, RAG frameworks, chatbots, or generative AI is a plus.
This role is currently displayed with a Colorado-compliant salary range. The range may be adjusted based on approved hiring location, including San Francisco Bay Area market compensation ($210,000 to $240,000).
We have determined a salary range for this position that takes into account several factors including experience, knowledge, education, skills, and abilities. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline and the exact salary will be determined based on the individual’s qualifications and experience, with consideration given to the factors listed above. All full-time employee benefits include a stake in shared success through stock options, health benefits, 401(k) plan, and 4 weeks of PTO per year.
Annual Salary
$160,000 - $200,000 USD
Why Frontera?
- Opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in pediatric healthcare.
- Work on challenging and impactful projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies.
- Collaborate with a talented and passionate team in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in rural communities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Dog-friendly office.
- Catered lunch from local Denver restaurants five days a week, plus occasional breakfasts and dinners.
- Robust snack program and great coffee options (including cappuccino machine and cold brew cans).
- Regular team events and low-key socials.
- Up to $150/month commuter stipend, discounted nearby parking, and a discounted Colorado Athletic Club membership.
- Thoughtfully designed space for focus, collaboration, and connection.
- Competitive health benefits, stock options, 401(k), and generous PTO.
Join us in building the future of behavioral healthcare!