Demo

AI Creative Systems Engineer - Contractor

Thesis
Portland, OR Contractor
POSTED ON 3/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/11/2026

Reports to: Head of Technology & Innovation
Department: Innovation / Engineering
Classification: 1099 Contractor

WHO WE ARE

We’re looking for an AI Creative Systems Engineer to help build the infrastructure behind next generation creative production.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, automation, and generative AI, helping design and maintain the systems that power large scale AI assisted content creation.

You’ll work closely with designers, producers, and innovation leaders to build scalable pipelines that transform design briefs and product assets into production ready imagery and motion.

The ideal candidate enjoys building systems that bridge creative workflows and cloud infrastructure, and is excited about using emerging technologies to reshape how creative work gets produced.

THE JOB

The AI Creative Systems Engineer Engineer builds and maintains the technical infrastructure that powers AI assisted creative production. This role focuses on designing scalable systems that enable high-volume generation of imagery and motion assets while integrating seamlessly with creative workflows and production systems.

This role works closely with designers, producers, and innovation leaders to translate creative needs into reliable automation pipelines and cloud-based systems that support the full lifecycle of AI generated assets.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

AI Production Pipeline Architecture

Design and implement scalable pipelines that generate product imagery and motion assets using generative AI models.

Cloud Infrastructure Development

Build and maintain cloud based systems (primarily Google Cloud Platform) that support AI generation, asset processing, storage, and delivery.

Model & API Integration

Integrate generative AI models and external services into automated workflows using APIs and orchestration scripts.

Asset Ingestion & Processing

Develop systems that ingest product assets (such as renders), process them through AI generation pipelines, and prepare outputs for production use.

Asset Storage & Delivery

Design reliable systems for storing, managing, and exporting generated assets including images, video, and channel-specific variations.

Creative Workflow Integration

Collaborate with designers and producers to ensure pipelines support real-world creative workflows and review processes.

Production Systems Integration

Build integrations between AI production pipelines and client production systems such as Airtable based creative operations platforms.

Automation & Optimization

Continuously improve generation pipelines for performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.

AS A PERSON, YOU ARE:

Cloud Infrastructure

Experience working with Google Cloud Platform or similar environments (AWS, Azure).

Backend Development

Strong programming experience in Python or similar scripting languages used for automation and orchestration.

API Development & Integration

Experience integrating third-party APIs and building services that connect multiple platforms.

AI / Generative Workflows

Familiarity with generative AI tools, image pipelines, or model-driven content generation systems.

Systems Architecture

Ability to design reliable, scalable systems that support high-volume asset generation.

Data & Asset Management

Experience working with media pipelines, asset storage, and content delivery systems.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Comfort working closely with designers, producers, and creative teams to translate creative needs into technical systems.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

8 years of experience in software engineering, infrastructure engineering, or systems engineering

Experience building automation pipelines or media processing systems

Experience working with GCP, AWS, or similar cloud environments

Familiarity with generative AI workflows is a strong plus

Experience integrating creative production or marketing systems is highly valued

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following capabilities are required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the agency are available:

Using standard office equipment, computers, and related technology.

Activities performed in an office setting with extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and using a computer mouse.

Bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds.

Travel is not anticipated for this role.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Head of Technology & Innovation

VALUES

Be Lean, Take Action:
 Think big, roll up your sleeves, and get the job done. Use process as an engine, not a brake.

Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say:
 Connect openly, share ideas honestly, and embrace collaboration without ego.

Show Up Fully:
 Bring your whole self to work — your perspective, background, and experiences — and make space for others to do the same.

ENCOURAGEMENT

We know that experience can show up in many ways. We encourage candidates to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

If you are passionate about engineering, eager to grow, and excited to contribute your perspective, we want to hear from you.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and believe the best ideas come from bringing different voices and experiences together.

If you’re someone who enjoys building systems, exploring new technologies, and helping shape the future of creative production, you’ll thrive here.


Hourly Wage Estimation for AI Creative Systems Engineer - Contractor in Portland, OR
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