LLM Engineer

SLAY, founded in December 2022, has swiftly made its mark in the mobile world. The company developed 5 apps and games that reached the #1 spot in the App Store across 3 continents.

Backed by some of the world's most esteemed investors, including Accel, Kevin Weil, Riccardo Zacconi, Scott Belsky, and Ilkka Paananen, SLAY is rapidly growing and reaching millions of users.

Our mission is to create digital life through AI and become the leading company for virtual friends that live, grow and evolve like humans—starting with Pengu. Pengu has become the biggest AI character app with its own IP in the US and Europe.

Tasks

We’re looking for an LLM engineer who will play a core role in shaping our product. You will be directly responsible for designing our data pipelines, fine-tuning architecture, and evaluation systems. You’ll make make important tradeoffs between ambition and feasibility. And you’ll run a tight loop between fine-tuning → evaluation → deployment.

• Location: In-person working (Berlin). No remote/hybrid.
• 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.
• Grind. We work/text on weekends and at night. It’s ok to send messages at 3am.
• Urgency: Move at lightning speed—turn weeks into days, hours into minutes. Smash through obstacles to get results. Respond instantly, not eventually.
• Relentless. Winning comes first. Follow up 10x a day if needed. Triple-text or call if someone’s ghosting you. Persistence is your superpower.
• Fast Firing: We move on quickly from anyone who isn’t an A-player. You’ll need to be comfortable with this. Paid trials help us both figure out the fit upfront.
• Mission-Driven: Our mission—“Becoming the leading company for virtual characters”—excites you. You’re here to make an impact.
• Versatility: No task is beneath you. Wear many hats. No job is not your job.
• EV-Based Decisions: We optimize for expected value, not comfort zones. No playing it safe with “good enough” choices.
• Flat Structure: Flat company org. Titles reflect scope. No political promotion games.

If you’re an A-player ready to run hard and win big, this is your shot. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

Requirements

• 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 implementing and deploying systems for data collection, cloud model training and inference.
• Experience translating current, relevant AI research into production systems.

Benefits

• Total Compensation: €200k-€500k
• Prime Berlin Office: Our Berlin Mitte office boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including Apple Studio Displays and Herman Miller chairs.
• 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.
• Stock Options: Benefit from our competitive stock option program.
• Bureaucratic Support: Assistance with German social security, tax forms, and other necessary paperwork.